Thailand
Overview
Nicknamed the “Land of Smiles,” Thai people are friendly, generous, determined, and creative. Full of attractions, from the mountains in the north to the beaches on the Andaman Sea to the congested capital of Bangkok and Bohemian mecca of Chiang Mai, Thailand draws more visitors than any other Southeast Asian country. History and tradition live side by side in the Buddhist temples, historical ruins, mystical mountains, and penchant for searingly spicy food.
Chiang Mai
Home to over 300 temples and 400,000 people, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s largest and most important cities. Located in the mountainous north, 500 miles from Bangkok, it was constructed in 1296 as a city square with moats marking its boundaries, giving it a quirky, mythic character. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy, with tourism a close second.
It’s considered cool if the weather dips below 15°C (60°F). Even the rainy season (May- October) is warm, with temperatures hovering around 25°C (80°C). The hot season can see a blistering, humid 40°C (105°F) at midday, but averages just 30°C (85°F). Don’t forget a light raincoat.
Social and Development Issues
Since 1997, Thailand has been a country in flux. A financial crisis led to bankruptcies and high unemployment. With a history of political coups, a newly elected civilian government is aiming for stability. The country is still rebuilding its economy making strides in integrating agriculture and industry. A large-scale sex industry flourishes, but Thailand is making efforts to combat it with cheaper prescription drugs and enforcing laws more consistently.
Projects
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Volunteer Abroad
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Teach Classes in English and Computers
Political unrest in Burma has uprooted more than a million people and created a culture of migrant camps in Thailand. Unable to return home, refugees are dependent on the...
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Description and Impact
One of Thailand’s iconic animals, elephants needs lots of room to roam. Without a...
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Protect Girls and Women at Risk for Trafficking and Abuse
Thailand’s international sex trade wreaks havoc in the lives of young girls and women. Despite recent government efforts to reduce it, sexual exploitation is too...
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If you’ve wondered what government run schools in Southeast Asia are like, immerse yourself in this one. With 200 students from grades K-9, you’ll cut your...
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This Buddhist university was founded in 1887 by King Chulalongkorn of The King and I fame, to establish a major higher education institute for Buddhist monks, novices and...
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The Hmong are an ethnic minority in Thailand, and are more likely to be socially sidelined or impoverished. This ProWorld program offers shelter and education to more...
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Protect Girls and Women at Risk for Trafficking and Abuse
Thailand’s international sex trade wreaks havoc in the lives of young girls and women. Despite recent government efforts to reduce it, sexual exploitation is too...
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Experience Community-Guided Healthcare
Meet local health care professionals. Learn basic Thai and see how a holistic healthcare system works in the rural areas of a developing country. ProWorld’s...
Intern Abroad
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Description and Impact
Over half a million people in Thailand are living with HIV. Thailand once led the developing world in HIV prevention, with massive public health...
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Support a News Agency as they Report on Local Politics and Human Rights Issues
Description and Impact
The residents of the Shan state of Burma are denied their rights to freedom of speech by the military government. The government has had trouble...
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In poverty-stricken areas, the oldest and the youngest members of society are often forgotten. This organization seeks to improve the quality of life for older people by...
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In poverty-stricken areas, the oldest and the youngest members of society are often forgotten. This organization seeks to improve the quality of life for older people...
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Description and Impact
Many people living in rural areas in Thailand suffer from diseases and medical conditions that can be easily prevented and addressed with early...
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Description and Impact
Cervical and breast cancers are the two highest causes of death for Thai women. Furthermore, the Chiang Mai Province has the highest incidence...
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Description and Impact
Many people living in rural areas in Thailand suffer from diseases and medical conditions can be easily prevented and addressed with early...
Study Abroad
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Based just outside the bustling capital of Bangkok, ProWorld’s semester program places students directly at Mahidol University, where you can choose from diverse courses...
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Based just outside the bustling capital of Bangkok, ProWorld’s semester program places students directly at Mahidol University, where you can choose from diverse courses...
