Phuket may be best known for its palm-lined beaches and natural beauty, but beneath the picture-perfect imagery, you’ll find that the island and local communities are struggling. Environmental threats and poverty are major issues in Phuket, which can even be exacerbated by tourism. But for travelers wanting to make a difference, there are numerous opportunities to give back.
At Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, we put all our efforts into rescuing formerly captive elephants and giving them a natural life. While we don’t offer volunteering opportunities, our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities go directly towards our sanctuary and help to educate visitors in conservation efforts.
If you’d like to make your journey as meaningful as possible, we’ve created this guide to volunteering opportunities in Phuket, ranging from wildlife to vulnerable communities. Should you have any questions about our tours in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Oceans for All: Protect Phuket’s Coastline
Founded in 2019 in Phuket by marine advocates David Martin and Thibault Salaun, Oceans for All is dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable tourism. They run numerous conservation projects, including a coral farm for reef restoration, a shark nursery program to release baby sharks into the ecosystem, and innovative coastal cleaner boats that remove floating plastic debris from the ocean.
Volunteering with Oceans for All is an immersive and hands-on experience, as you commit to 12 weeks of work, offering your best skills to support their efforts in whatever capacity. At the end, you can say you will have helped clean the oceans of plastic or even rear baby sharks! For more conservation initiatives, read our blog about Wildlife and Nature Conservation in Phuket.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Project: Return Gibbons to the Forests
Located in Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project works to rescue, rehabilitate, and release gibbons back into their natural habitat. These endangered primates have suffered greatly from the illegal wildlife trade, and were poached to extinction in Phuket nearly 40 years ago.
The project has made great strides to restore gibbons to their rightful place in Phuket’s forests. Volunteers play an essential role in keeping the project running, assisting with activities such as food preparation, enclosure care, and educational outreach to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife. You can volunteer for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of six, working for five days a week on this rewarding project. To learn more about the initiative, read our guide: Visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Phuket’s Last Rainforest.
Soi Dog Foundation: Saving Phuket’s Strays
The Soi Dog Foundation is one of Phuket’s most respected organizations, dedicated to improving the welfare of stray dogs and cats. Their sterilization and vaccination programs have had an extraordinary impact, and their shelter cares for hundreds of animals in need. Volunteers help with everything from dog walking to socializing with cats. For animal lovers, this is one of the most fulfilling ways to give back while visiting Phuket. Volunteers are required to commit a minimum of two days, but the more the better!
For even more ways to ensure your trip has a positive impact, read our guide to Sustainable Travel Tips for Visiting Phuket Responsibly.
Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation: Help Underprivileged Children
The Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation works to improve the lives of children in Phuket through English language education. They teach hundreds of children through their schools, and also care for children who have no home to return to, providing them with after-school and weekend activities that support their growth and development. Volunteers can work as teaching fellows or assistants, helping children gain the skills they need to flourish in the future.
Tips for Ethical Volunteering in Phuket
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Phuket, but it’s important to approach it with care. Here are some guidelines for making your contribution as ethical and impactful as possible:
- Research organizations carefully: Look for credible organizations that clearly explain their mission, how they use donations or volunteer fees, and what role volunteers play. Established non-profits with a proven track record are usually the safest choice.
- Put the needs of the community first: The best volunteer projects are designed to meet local needs, not just provide experiences for visitors. Before committing, ask yourself: will my presence genuinely help, or would financial support, education, or awareness be more impactful?
- Avoid exploitative animal encounters: Animal welfare should always come before entertainment. In Phuket, some sanctuaries may appear ethical, but still perpetuate harmful practices. Instead, support sanctuaries and projects that provide safe, natural habitats and emphasize education.
- Respect cultural sensitivities: When volunteering with schools or community groups, be mindful of local customs and dress codes.
- Be realistic about your skills and time: Some organizations require long-term commitments or specific expertise, such as teaching or marine biology. Always be upfront about your abilities so you’re placed in a role where you can genuinely contribute.
- Support beyond volunteering: Your impact doesn’t end when your trip does. Continuing to advocate for the organization or donating when possible can extend the benefits long after you return home!
Visit Us at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve
By volunteering on your travels, you can rest assured that your journey leaves behind a positive impact and supports ethical tourism. Sadly, not all of us have the time to give back meaningfully. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still do good on your trip.
By visiting Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, you’re already contributing to elephant welfare. Whether you join us for a 90-Minute Elephant Adventure in Phuket or a Half-Day Elephant Adventure in Phuket, you will be supporting our efforts to rescue the island’s gentle giants and turn the tide against harmful tourism practices. With us, you’ll get to learn more about Phuket’s elephants, their care and conservation, and the importance of ethical sanctuaries. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
