Volunteering abroad can completely transform your experience in Thailand and as a volunteer you’ll have the opportunity to go beyond the usual tourist attractions – forging meaningful connections with elephants and experience the culture like a local person.

As a volunteer, you will learn all about the Asian Elephant, their history, how to care for them and the ways you can help preserve the future of these endangered creatures.  

In 1998 logging was banned in Thailand and elephants were forced to perform tricks as tourist attractions or engage in illegal logging near Myanmar. Many elephants died or have serious injury after falling because of over working or from being injured badly by bull hooks. Elephants were also given large amounts of amphetamine or other drugs make them work longer hours.

Deforestation and development are two of the main reasons there is only 20 % forest land left in 1992 compared to 80 % in 1957 so finding natural land for elephants is an ongoing problem. The Sanctuaries are the best and safest way to protect these elephants so ongoing work to help to maintain their environment is crucial work for volunteers.

That’s where elephant Sanctuaries are vital part of the future of the Asian Elephant. Volunteers are important to the sanctuary by helping the staff at Ran-Tong Sanctuary they can contribute to making the elephants have a better quality of life in their natural environment.

Our programs include how to care for the Elephants; learn how to make herbal medicines while living in their natural habitat.

Extra activities

Time off can be spent exploring the area around the camp, you can hire a bicycle at Ran Tong for free and visit the local villages and experience real Thai culture, where are the huge influx of tourists has effected the rest of Thailand.

The program is geared towards volunteers that enjoy working outside, are flexible and most importantly love for elephants! No experience is necessary and operates all year round, however we do have a policy that operates and over 18 age limit without a guardian. Finally, positions are available from 2 days to 28 days and beyond.

Disclaimer for Volunteers

While we do our best to stick to the programs and schedules there are occasions that things do not go to plan when volunteering and living in the Jungle.

Weather during rainy season can cause power cuts from time to time which means there would be no hot water during that time.

Occasionally at night there can be many animals within the camp and noises that are beyond our control including local dogs, cats, ants, chickens, crickets, Gecko and of course our lovely elephants who make their own noises at night. You really are out in the middle of nowhere.  

If you decide to leave our camp early we cannot always guarantee a full refund but we will discuss options with you. If you cannot make the schedule time of your volunteering experience we can rearrange another available date for you.

Please note that Deposits are not refundable.