Volunteer at am Organic Farm

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Hua Hin

Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: 06/2009-06/2010

Description: My name is Wat and I am a 33-year-old Bangkok native who has left the city and its consumerist lifestyle to pursue a project of simple, wholesome living in harmony with nature. I have seven acres of land in mountainous peninsular Thailand near the city of Hua Hin and I live with my wife, Chabaa.

On our farm we grow mangoes, bananas, papaya, guava, and various kinds of vegetables. The property includes a stream and its varied topography provides ample opportunity for experimentation with organic farming techniques and natural energy systems. We have added an outdoor toilet, a garage space, a man-made (but not concrete) pond, and a pottery kiln.

Living off the land is difficult with the food system being organized as it is, and I am looking for a long-term volunteer to help make this project more viable through workshops, grant writing, and selling some artisanal products like natural bath products and teas. I need this person to stay for at least six months to a year, beginning in early-mid June of 2009.

In addition to the artisanal shampoo, soap, and tea we produce, I have some other projects underway or in mind: workshops on natural-material structures; implementing a hillside rice study; community outreach (deforestation and litter are big problems here); and eco-tourism. I would encourage the person to bring his/her own ideas and passions to experiment and explore to help improve this project.

Qualifications: I am able to offer a private bamboo hut and delicious meals, but the position itself is volunteer work. Fluent English writing skills are required, and spoken English is a plus. (Thai language skills are NOT required.) People interested in living close to nature and practicing sustainable farming techniques are preferred. Applicants would have to be comfortable living in a rural setting, although a town with an ATM, Internet, and other services is only about 3.5 km away. I would expect this person to help for roughly six to eight hours a day, six days a week. Work would involve a variety of tasks ranging from physical farm work, help with our artisan products, and daily chores to grant writing and volunteer outreach. (We also have an active WWOOFing program here.)

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Most of our volunteers are WWOOFers who stay for a week to a month. This position is for a long-term aide who would stay for 6-12 months.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Year Founded: 2006