Thailand Manual

1. Center Information

Unlike all of the other IHF Centers, the International Humanity Foundation Thailand branch is solely an orphanage, not an education center. Our center in Chiang Rai works with the hilltribes, the indigenous people living in the tumultuous borderlands between Thailand, Myanmar (Burma ), and Laos, and extending as far as into China and Vietnam . The two tribes at our Children's Home are Lahu and Akha. The hilltribes in Northern Thailand face many challenges, and it is our mission to arm our children with the skills, attitudes and knowledge that they will need to have equal opportunities for their future, like other Thai citizens

Our home has 21 children. At home, the children speak Lahu and Akha to their tribesmen, but Thai is spoken across tribes. Most of our children are Christian, with several Buddhist exceptions, both religions being accepted

Education: Our children range from "Anuban" (basically kindergarden) to "Matayom four" (12th grade), and they go to three different schools. Each night we have one hour of homework time, during which we encourage the older children to help the younger children practice their Thai language skills. Also, we are looking for a volunteer to teach English skills during this hour, in addition to playing with and helping look after the kids

Our Home: Situated on the outskirts of Chiang Rai town, our home enjoys the quiet of being at the end of the road, but is still close to town. We back up to a forest where the children like to play. Our neighbors are friendly, and own a candy store that our children often visit. We have a boy's and girl's dorm, each with a few separate rooms, joined by a common area, where we eat our meals, and the children do their homework

Working towards self-sufficiency, the volunteers here have recently started a garden which we hope will reduce food costs, teach the kids about agriculture, and ensure they get their vitamins. The house mothers and the children are responsible for these efforts

Staff: We have two house mothers, Nabee and Mali, both Lahu. Mali has a daughter and a niece at the center. Nabee has a daughter, niece and nephew. Nabee often sings with the kids and helps them retain their Lahu heritage. She does the sewing for the children and is trying very hard to improve her English skill. Mali does traditional Lahu weaving and always has a positive attitude. They are both share in the cooking, and are very loving

2. Transport to the Center

The center is located in the outskirts of Chiang Rai, just next to the old airport, but on the opposite side of town to the new one. A drive from the airport will take you approximately 30 minutes and cost 300 baht. If you arrive by bus one of the kids will normally pick you up from the bus station or the Bakery across the street. If not, there are tuk tuks parked just outside. Use the address and directions given on the web site or below and you will be at the center within 10 minutes!

Taxi from Chiang Rai airport is about 300 baht (U.S. 10$) but make sure you have the exact address; it can be hard for taxi drivers to find. Most often someone from the center can pick up volunteers if we have your flight information well ahead of time, ask us before planning on taking a taxi.

You can exchange money at the airport and there are many money changers all over Chiang Rai, but the best value for you money is to take out at an ATM depending on your bank's finance charges.

Directions from Chiang Rai Bus station

Exit the bus station towards the main road (night bazaar, shopping, wiang inn, etc.) go left on the main road. Pass the Wiang Inn hotel and go right at your first light after hotel. Go up to hospital and make left at light. Then continue straight till you come to an end (old airport, field, park, etc.) go right here and follow the road to a 4 way crossing (little market area on you left corner. Go left here. Follow the road around 2 fairly sharp corners (on the second one there is a fitness center/ public pool building) continue on and take your 3rd or 4th rt on to soi 1 (Wuttichompoo rd) follow the long driveway all the way to the end. We are the last house on the left. This should be no more than a 15 minute ride by tuk-tuk. We will be happy to see you. You can't miss all the children!

Caty Dioguardi, Co-Director's phone number: 0801248640

3. Work to be done at the orphanage

Because the children don't have classes at the center, your daily tasks will include may include accompanying one of the directors and our house mother to school to drop the high school kids on our market days, twice a week. On other days our oldest boy, pratya drives to school. During the hours the children are at school, you will have time to visit the cheap (10 baht per hour!), but good Internet cafe to complete your 4 hours of international tasks. Any one at the center can give you directions; it is only a 15 min. walk. Please note that volunteers will have to pay for Internet access even when doing administrative work. We have recently gotten Internet at the center on 2 computers but it is often slow and is only for IHF related work.

Your time here in Thailand will primarily be spent looking after the children before and after school; giving them special attention, teaching them English (as it is quite limited at the moment) but especially spreading your love and attention to them one on one. There are 29 children at the center at the moment. They are all noisy, laughing, loving creative children who have not had enough attention in their young difficult lives, and crave it. The Thailand center offers more of a relaxed, informal, one on one experience

Volunteer Projects

Making and distributing Thai IHF pamphlets, posters and donation jars.
Working on the public display wall which contains finances and daily reports of the center.
Teaching the children English, public speaking skills, music, art and at the same time learning Thai culture and language from the children so they also learn to teach.
Cultivating the advisory council.
Working on our August open house fundraiser for locals.
Collecting school supplies and clothes from Thai communities and international schools, civic groups, etc.

House Projects

Maintaining our tilapia fish pond
Painting the house.
Fixing plumbing system.
Working on the vegetable garden and compost area, and maintaining the chickens.
Cultivating and maintaining our mushroom project

4. Accommodation

As a volunteer at our Thailand center, you will stay in a basic, and pleasant room with other volunteers. The beds are provided but you are asked to bring or buy your own bedding. If you prefer to sleep on the floor, mattresses are available. Overall, this center is relatively western; there is even one western toilet, a couple western showers and hot water from Nov. till March. After March it is warm enough not to need warm water. The orphanage is located at the end of the road and surrounded by forest, where the children love to play. There is also a swimming pool down the road where the kids love to go on hot days.

You will be served traditional northern Thai food and some lahu as well. Our menu is very basic and consists of rice vegetables and pork for most meals. During the week you can eat at the center for breakfast and dinner but we have 3 meals on the weekends. It can be very spicy. Vegetarians will not just have an easy time here but extremely tasty, just tell Nabee about your special food requests at arrival.

5. Costs

Our fees are USD $50.00US a week for volunteers living with us at our centers. This is to be paid in full the day you arrive. The USD $50.00US a week is to help cover the volunteers food costs so we do not use the children's donated money! This amount also covers your utilities and other such costs. It does not cover special foods, sightseeing trips, international calls, nor airfare to the centers, or any such form of transportation. We used to not charge anything, but unfortunately ended up with some huge bills. Carol does not believe in charging volunteers, so is sad about even this USD $50.00a week. It is to be treasured when someone really wants to help others!

6. Things to bring for the children at the centers

The children and centers will greatly appreciate anything you wish to bring. We need items such as childrens vitamins, hydrogen peroxide, fluoride toothpaste, any other medical supplies, electronics, donated global cell phones, old cameras, radios, CD players, laptops, etc. Also, any games and toys will be wonderful. English as a second language CDs and DVDs would be great and very useful, as would any learning materials. Used or new clothing is so enjoyed by the children. As in the centers, there are limited computers to work (for both staff and volunteers) and teach the children in the classes - it would be a great bonus if you could possibly organize a (second-hand) laptop donation to the center.

Holiday Schedule

The holiday for the younger children is not concrete in dates but begins in the fall in the middle of oct and runs till the middle of nov. and their summer starts march 15th and runs till may 15th.

7. Documentation you will need upon arrival at the center

We ask that you bring a copy of the following, and have them all ready to hand the director upon arrival:

Your acceptance letter
A copy of your signed waiver
A copy of your signed MOU
A copy of your passport
A paragraph summary of your at home tasks completed before arrival to the center, along with your tasks assigned by Carol Sasaki that are to be worked on during your stay at the center.
The amount you are to pay for the time you are at the center
Thank you for your cooperation.

8. Contact Information

Correspondence address:
539/1 M. 24 T. Robwiang
A. Muang Chiang Rai 57000
Thailand

For visitors:
Doi Phra Bart, Soi 1 (Vootthiviphoo 1), Chiang Rai

9. Visa for Thailand

Visit http://www.mfa.go.th/ The Kingdom of Thailand 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If you are staying in Thailand less then 30 days you do not need to apply for a visa. You can leave and re-enter to get another 30 days over and over again over a period of 6 months. Most countries are included in this deal. Check the website if you are unsure.

If you initially intend to stay for longer than 30 days, you need to apply for a Tourist Visa. This allows you to stay in the country for 60 days.

You can also apply for a Visa-on-arrival which gives you 15 days in the country.

The Thai government wants all visitors to possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person.

10. Suggested Airlines for Travel to Chiang Rai

Flying from Bangkok , choose one of the low budget airlines to Chiang Rai such as "AirAsia", "Bangkok Airways" and "One, Two, Go". The price is usually somewhere in between 1000 -2000 Baht for one way. Last mentioned airline sells all tickets for a fixed price (1370 Baht) which you can choose to use for any of their departures within a month.

11. Currency

The Thai unit of currency is the Baht . At the time of writing 1 US Dollar is 33.40 Thai Baht and 1 Euro is 45.30 Thai Baht. Check current exchange rates at http://oanda.com. You can change money either at the banks or moneychangers in Chiang Rai. The basic exchange rates are the same everywhere. It is best to bring traveller`s cheques, because they are safer and because the exchange for them is slightly better than the rate for cash . (You have to show you passport and give your address in Thailand if you want to cash a cheque.)

Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard) are generally accepted in hotels and the big shops.

12. Changing Money

We suggest you exchange money at the airport as it will not be that easy to exchange money near the center. Closest is Chiang Rai. Changing money is quick and easy in the major tourist centers where moneychangers often offer better rates than the banks. Be Warned: foreign bank notes are often refused if too crumpled, folded or stained. Advisable is to carry notes in small denominations to exchange. Away from the tourist areas changing money can be more of a hassle. Always count your money before you leave the premises. The rates for cash are slightly better but remember, traveler's cheques can be replaced if they are stolen or lost - while cash is gone forever if you loose it. Always ask if there is an extra commission to be paid for cashing cash or cheques .

13. Credit Cards

You will be staying at the center therefore you will need cash to pay for your food contribution to the center. Its advisable to have local cash currency for purchases and transport. Credit cards are accepted in most larger hotels along with American dollar traveler's cheques.

14. Tipping

Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge to the bill but an additional 5 to 10 per cent may be given, where deserved. When a service charge is not automatic,10 per cent is acceptable. There is no tipping in very simple restaurants or food stalls. Small tips (never less than 10 Baht! If you don't want to give that much, it is better to give no tip all all.) Tips may also be given to bellboys, or room cleaners.

15. Thai Time

The time in Chiang Rai, Thailand is UTC/GMT +7 hours.

16. Electricity

The electricity in Thailand is 220 volts. They have both flat prongs (like in the U.S. and Japan ) and round prongs (like much of Europe and Asia). Adapters can be bought very cheaply in Chiang Rai if needed.

17. Getting Around

Once you're here and familiar with the area you can easily cycle to the centre of Chiang Rai in 15 minutes, or use one of the center's two scooters. There are not really any buses as the distances aren't very great. Bike rentals can be fairly expensive, so if you plan on being here for awhile, it is recommended that you purchase a bike at the Big C (for around USD $30.00), then it can be donated to the center, or future volunteers once you leave! The town is pretty big and you will find every shop you might need during your stay. There is also a big night market in town to visit if you have time. The IHF center is situated just by a little village where you can also find shops, a little market etc. There is also a running track nearby.

18. Driver's License

If you wish to hire a car you must be over 21 years of age and posses either a Thai, English, or International Driver's License.

19. Clothing

You should dress for a tropical climate: cotton, silk or linen clothes are most comfortable. Exposing too much of your skin will not only earn you a sunburn, but is also frowned at by the locals. No matter how hot it is, gentlemen must wear long pants in urban areas. For ladies, pants are also o.k., or you can wear a skirt or a dress that covers the knees. Sleeveless shirts or sleeveless sweaters should also be avoided. Beach wear is only acceptable on the beach!

20. Climate

Basically, Thailand has three seasons: a dry and hot season (from November until February), a very hot season (from March until the end of April; the weather is still dry, but very hot, and doing sightseeing tours may be uncomfortable) and a wet and hot season (this is the monsoon season from May to the end of October). The best months for traveling are December, January, and February, but November, March and April are also acceptable (although the air is moist, and it may rain occasionally).

21. Etiquette

In general, the Thai are friendly and polite, and you should try to act the same way. It is very bad behavior to start loud arguments or challenge someone in public. Harsh criticism, shouting, or other displays of anger or rage will not get you anywhere in Thailand. A person's head is considered sacred and it is an insult to touch it. The feet, on the other hand, are considered very impure, and you should never point at a person, or a religious object with a foot or step over somebody. The king of Thailand and royal family are held in genuine respect by the people and you should never speak derogatively about them or act disrespectfully with regard to them (for instance, never step on a Thai bank note - it depicts the head of the king. People have been known to be arrested for this!)

Women Traveling Alone

It is still unusual for a female tourist to travel alone, but you will probably not run into any problem because of it. The Thai women themselves have considerable influence, especially in business life, and are respected members of society.

22. Shopping

Thailand is very famous for its quality handicrafts, but most of the items offered in the shops of Bangkok have not been produced there but in the North. (See Chiang Mai Travel Guide, Shopping Tour) Lacquerware, Carvings, ceramics and benjarong china all make nice souvenirs. The Chitralada Shops (under the patronage of Queen Sirikit) are especially recommendable. Thai silk is famous around the world. The silk is produced in many different qualities, and you should compare the prices before you buy. A lot of tailors offer 24 hour service, but you should always give them time for at least 2 fittings.

Many visitors are tempted to buy gemstones and jewellery (Thailand is one of the leading producers of sapphires and rubies), but often this is not a good idea - you may pay a large sum for a gemstone that at home turns out to be of inferior quality. Costume jewellery (like gilded orchids) is less dangerous in this respect.

23. Passport Loss

Always keep a copy of your passport and driver's license somewhere separate from your originals, so you can prove who you are to your consulate in the event of loss or theft. If you do loose your documents then you must go to the police who will fill out the necessary forms to report to your consulate.

24. Emergency Numbers

Emergencies: 191
Chiang Rai Tourist Police 0 5371 7779 (24 hours on duty).
English speaking with 24 hours service.

Oversea Calls
- Direct overseas calls start with 001
- For operator-assisted overseas calls, dial 100 (there is a three-minute minimum charge)

Consulates

Australia: 0 532...
Austria: 0 534...
France : 0 532...
India : 0 5324 3066
Canada: 0 5385 0147
China: 0 5327 6125
Japan: 0 532...
Sweden : 0 5322 0844
Germany: 0 538...
Finland: 0 5323 4777
UK : 0 5326 3405
USA : 0 5325 2629