Environmental and Social Activities in the Isan Region of Northeastern Thailand

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Nong Khai

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: October 11 - October 26

Description: Roi-Et is one of the provinces in the North East of Thailand, known between Thais as Isan. The Isan is also one of the regions of Thailand where traditions are preserved and respected; the Isan culture is influenced by Laos and Lao culture. This influence is represented in their special cooking, handicrafts, music and dance and on the typical Muay Thai Boxing.

The Bo Pan Khan site dates back to the bronze era, when it was a main economic centre of the region due to the rock salt that could be found in the soil. Nowadays, the site is virtually abandoned despite efforts of the Thai government in the 90's to attract local tourists. Bo Pan Khan is surrounded by water, which is now filled with riverweed.

Two volunteer groups will be joining the project in the following dates:
October 11 - October 26
December 20- January 4

Environmental and social is the main work in the project. The volunteers will work at Bo Pan Khan to help cutting the riverweed and cleaning around the area, and planting trees or flowers in the garden. The volunteers will also discover the typical Isan culture and traditions, visiting villagers, farmers and local artisans, helping them in their tasks occasionally.

Leisure time: Leisure time will be organized by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The closest city is far but accessible. The region isn't very tourist attractive as such but the nature is of extraordinary beauty: rice fields, small temples and natural parks are all over the region.

The end of the Buddhist lent will coincide with the October project, giving rise to the organization of the traditional regional boat races. The volunteers will have the great chance to attend the ceremonies and festivities in the village with the local population.

Location: The Denrat sub-district area is about 8 km far from Nong Hi, 25 km far from Panomprai city and 95 km from Roi-Et city, in the Isan region, North east of Thailand.

There is an extra fee of 6,500 Thai Baht (about USD 170) for participation in this project, intended to support the local host.

Highlights: The volunteers will learn about the culture of rural Thailand in general and the traditions and specificity of the Isan region. Thai language lessons will also be given to the volunteers.

Qualifications: The volunteers need mostly to be motivated to discover Thai culture and to present the one of their country of origin.

Cost in US$: USD 290

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.