Horticultural Research

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.

Description: Our volunteers serve within the division of Public Parks, Landscape Development and Special Event Planning of Chiang Mai City Hall. Volunteers work alongside city officials, grounds keepers and horticulturalists from 8:00am  4:00 pm (Monday  Friday). Due to serving within the sphere of Chiang Mai City Hall, volunteers will be invited to take part in many activities that include the city officials.

Volunteers assist in research and upkeep of Chiang Mai's old and historic trees, many of which are located in and amongst the ruins of the old city. Chiang Mai is 710 years old. It has many special and historic trees that need upkeep, attention and care. Considering wood is a highly valued commodity in Thailand, Buddhist monks have taken the initiative of blessing many of the historic trees and dressing the trees with holy saffron colored robes to keep them safe from the axes and saws of greedy people. Once blessed and dressed with the sacred saffron robes, the trees are considered to be Buddhist holy trees. Cutting one down would bring bad will to that person's family and life. These trees, do, however need special care in their upkeep and preservation. You would assist in this special preservation and upkeep of these holy trees that surround and fill the green spaces of Chiang Mai.

Research is also needed in what types of new plant species and horticultural techniques can be utilized in beautifying the city. Volunteers will assist in the upkeep (trimming and fertilizing) of these historic trees. There is a Chiang Mai horticultural center and nursery where volunteers will assist in the research and breeding flower, plant and tree species along with upkeep of the facility.

Highlights: Chiang Mai is a pleasant city, encircled by mountains and lush rice fields. Chiang Mai is Thailands second largest city with a population of roughly 700,000. The city is considered the cultural and physical capital of (what used to be) the northern Thai (Lanna) kingdom. Chiang Mai is the home of an international airport, restaurants of almost every cuisine, incredible shopping and world class hospitals.

During or after ones volunteer service, Friends For Asia recommends for volunteers to take part in some of the many different local attractions and/or courses. Every Sunday Chiang Mai closes off one of the main roads in the old city to put on a walking street market. Vendors and artisans from the area set up their small booths to sell their handicrafts, art and mouthwatering finger foods.

Chiang Mai offers Thai cooking courses starting around $35, Thai massage courses starting around $45, along with jungle treks and regular Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches. Upon your arrival into Chiang Mai, Friends For Asia will be more than happy to help you sign up for one of these exciting opportunities to learn more about this beautiful culture.

Qualifications: Volunteers do not need any specific qualifications, but should be able-bodied, enjoy working outside and flexible to change. Decisions on events in Chiang Mai City Hall are sometimes made at the last minute which requires a great amount of flexibility and understanding for all involved.

Cost in US$: 695

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: An individual who loves to travel, wants to learn more about Thailand and assist Asia in it's development.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2 or 3

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Friends For Asia's Mission Statement: The mission of Friends For Asia is twofold. We offer an opportunity for people to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the improvement of standards of living by building capacity in our host agencies and we provide committed volunteers to work on projects developed with host agencies that benefit the people of Thailand.

Year Founded: 2008