Giving Back: Thailand - Four Worthwhile Causes to Support

There is no shortage of things to do in Thailand.  From island hopping, to urban exploration, cooking classes, cultural experiences, or even a river adventure with the kids, few visitors describe their trip here as boring.

With Thailand’s reputation for beaches, shopping, and partying, it’s easy to overlook the fact that, like most places, there are significant needs just below the surface.

Thankfully, there are a bunch of groups of dedicated people trying to make a difference. In an effort to shed some light on some of the good work that is being done, today I want to highlight four organizations that are contributing to positive change in here in Thailand. Most of these are organizations that A and I have personally supported in one way or another.

Do you live in Thailand or are you planning a visit?  Would you like to get a bit more out of your tropical holiday and combine vacation with service?  Or, have you spent holidays here in the past and feel a connection to the country? Are you Thai and looking to get more involved with your community?  Whatever your motivation, whether you’re just passing through or live in Thailand, please consider giving back and supporting these worthwhile causes.

1. Nightlight International Bangkok

• Focus: Sexual exploitation and human trafficking
• How they help: Nightlight supports a range of interventions including the provision of emergency shelter, access to counseling, child-care, vocational training, education, and employment support.
• How you can help: You can volunteer if you are willing to commit one year to the cause. They have many volunteer positions open at the moment. Otherwise you can fund raise or donate here.

2. Courageous Kitchen

• Focus: “Inspiring marginalized youth in Bangkok through the power of food”
• How they help: Courageous Kitchen seeks to empower vulnerable young people by providing them with skills for future employment, specifically skills in the kitchen. They also provide informal pre-school, distribute food and hygiene materials, and provide housing and support for medical emergencies.
• How you can help: You can donate, volunteer, or participate in their fundraising efforts. Or better yet, take a Thai cooking class!  Cooking classes are a blast and are a top recommendation of A and I for people visiting the city (she wrote about her favorite Thai cooking class recently here). If you book a course through Courageous Kitchen, proceeds will go toward helping them feed and train at risk youth in Bangkok.

3. Operation Smile- Thailand