Programme Overview
The STEF Veterinary Volunteer Programme offers a unique opportunity for seasoned and aspiring veterinarians, vet nurses, and technicians to immerse themselves in the world of elephant healthcare and welfare in Thailand. Based at the STEF Veterinary Centre in Phang-Nga province, this programme allows volunteers to gain hands-on experience working with domesticated Thai elephants, participate in medical procedures, and contribute to the well-being of these majestic creatures.
Throughout the programme, volunteers will assist in daily care routines, participate in treatment planning, and join mobile clinic runs to offer veterinary support to elephants in various regions. Volunteers will also gain valuable insights into elephant behavior, Thai culture, and the unique challenges of elephant healthcare.
With flexible programme durations ranging from 1-2 weeks, the volunteer experience includes on-site accommodation, meals, and the chance to explore local attractions during off-duty hours. The STEF Veterinary Volunteer Programme is dedicated to improving the welfare of elephants through high standards of veterinary care and education, making it an invaluable experience for those passionate about animal conservation and veterinary medicine.
For licensed veterinarians/ vet nurses/ vet technicians :
- Proof of qualification (licenses)
- Current curriculum vitae
- Large animal/ wildlife qualification or experience preferred
For veterinarian/ vet nurse/ vet technician students:
- Proof of school enrollment
- Completed pre-clinical courses
General conditions for all volunteers:
- In a good physical and mental health
- Able to tolerate the heat, rain and/ or humidity
- Professional English or Thai proficiency
1-2 weeks
19,000
Thai baht per week
This includes the cost of your on-site accommodation, three meals per day, and a donation to STEFT to help us to continue our work.
Duration
1-2 Weeks
Prices
19000 Thai/Per Week
Veterinary Volunteer Programme
To Provide free veterinary care for elephants in Southern Thailand to improve their welfare and to protect their future.
Introduction
Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation (STEF) is a registered Thai non-profi t organisation based in Phang-Nga province, Thailand, established with the aim to improve the welfare of elephants in the Southern Thailand region.
Our Mission
Our Mission
“We are dedicated to giving Asian Elephants in Thailand a better future through the provision of high standards veterinary services and education on elephant management to improve their welfare.”
The STEF Veterinary Center (Phang-Nga Elephant Hospital)
The STEF Veterinary Centre is located just north of Phuket at Khok Kloi sub-district in Phang-Nga province. The foundation completed its registration as a Thai non-profi t charity organisation in September 2018, and the STEF Veterinary Centre was operational from November 2020. STEF Veterinary Volunteer Programme is based on the medical services and elephant welfare-related activities provided at STEF Veterinary Center and through STEF mobile clinic.
Purpose of the Veterinarian Volunteer Programme
The Veterinarian Volunteer Programme is an immersion programme designed for seasoned and future veterinarians, vet nurses, vet technicians who are interested to experience fi rst-hand the elephant healthcare, husbandry, and welfare work for Thai domesticated elephants. Our standard programme schedule runs from Monday to Friday, but you may choose to extend your volunteer session for up to 30 days (depending on your visa validity, and with additional expenses). By joining our Veterinary Volunteer Programme, you will gain experience of elephant healthcare and husbandry.
Objective of the Veterinarian Volunteer Programme
By the end of your volunteering session you are expected to:
01
Elephants in Thailand: Culture and Significance
Having a better understanding of elephants and its existence in Thailand and Thai culture.
02
Safety Practices for Working with Elephants
Understanding of safety concerns and safe practices when working with elephants.
03
Elephant Healthcare
Understanding of elephant healthcare and physical examination process.
04
Common Illnesses in Thai Elephants
Knowledgeable of common diseases and illnesses in domesticated Thai elephants observed through STEF Veterinary Centre.
05
Collaborating with STEF Vets on Treatment Planning
Participate in daily discussion and treatment planning with STEF’s vet.
06
Observing and Assisting in Elephant Medical Procedures at STEF
Observe medical procedures and elephant treatments (according to Thai law, only Thai licensed veterinarians are allowed to perform medical procedures). However, you may be allowed to perform some medical procedures or treatment to the elephants at STEF Veterinary Centre at the discretion and through direct supervision of our head vet.
07
Assisting STEF’s Vet in Mobile Clinic Operations
Participate and assist STEF’s vet during the mobile clinic runs.
Daily Schedule
Monday
Arriving at STEF Veterinary Centre
General information about STEF:
- Foundation information
- General safety briefi ng
- Location
- Health and safety concerns
- Emergency contact information
STEF Volunteer
Coordinator
Tuesday
Daily activity/treatment plan and in-patient round
- Daily case review
- Medicine prep
- Treatment administration
- Cleaning
- Patient observation
- Laboratory work
Mobile clinic (depending on external request)
Presentation and discussion on elephant healthcare and physical examination
STEF Veterinarian
Wednesday
Daily activity/treatment plan and in-patient round
- Daily case review
- Medicine prep
- Treatment administration
- Cleaning
- Patient observation
- Laboratory work
Mobile clinic (depending on external request)
Presentation and discussion on elephant healthcare and physical examination
STEF Veterinarian
Thursday
Daily activity/treatment plan and in-patient round
- Daily case review
- Medicine prep
- Treatment administration
- Cleaning
- Patient observation
- Laboratory work
Mobile clinic (depending on external request)
STEF Veterinarian
Friday
Daily activity/treatment plan and in-patient round
- Daily case review
- Medicine prep
- Treatment administration
- Cleaning
- Patient observation
- Laboratory work
Mobile clinic (depending on external request) OR Visit to Phang Nga Elephant Park; Departing STEF Veterinary Centre
STEF Veterinarian & Volunteer Coordinator
Day Off
If you are staying with us for more than 1 week you will be eligible to take a day off . The STEF Veterinary Centre is located an hour away from Phuket town and Khao Lak, 45 minutes from Phang Nga town. We are adjacent to a small town called Khok Kloi which is only 10 10-minute drive from the STEF Veterinary Centre. In Khok Kloi there are ATMs, local restaurants, shops, convenience stores, and a nice long stretch of the pristine Natai beach.
If you would like to visit Khok Kloi town or Natai beach, we can drop you off and pick you up any time between 9 AM and 5 PM. Otherwise, we also can arrange a taxi for you to visit other areas.
Health and Safety Regulations
The following section has been prepared to help ensure that you remain safe at all times when volunteering at the STEF. You must read, understand, and comply with ALL health and safety regulations. Upon arrival, you will be required to sign a waiver stating that you fully understand and accept our health and safety regulations. If there is anything that you do not understand or would like clarifi cation on, please email or speak to our Volunteer Coordinator. In time, you may get to know many of the mahouts (elephant keepers) and the characteristics of the elephants. However, you must never become complacent around an elephant. We require you to comply with the following:
- DO NOT approach or interact with an elephant without the presence/permission of the mahout or vet team staff .
- DO NOT walk around the facilities at night.
- DO NOT take photos/ videos during the treatment without permission of vet team staff .
- DO NOT post any video/photo on social media without written permission of the Managing director.
- DO NOT use fl ash when photographing an elephant.
STEF Veterinarian Volunteers are required to hold their own travel insurance that extends to cover medical costs and activities connected with volunteering with elephants. You must also ensure that your vaccinations are up to date (which MUST include DTP and Rabies).
In compliance with Thai law, visiting veterinarians and other veterinary visitors will not be permitted to practice veterinary medicine. However, you may be allowed to perform some medical procedures or treatment on the elephants at the STEF Veterinary Centre at the discretion and through direct supervision of the STEF head vet.
All volunteers are required to conduct themselves with propriety and professionalism at all times. Volunteers must comply with all reasonable requests of the STEF management regarding duties, dress code, and attitude towards staff and other colleagues while volunteering at the STEF Veterinary Centre and while on mobile clinic visits. Breaches of these rules will result in the revocation of the agreement and expulsion from the premises without a refund. Showing up for work while intoxicated will result in an immediate termination of your volunteering session at the STEF Veterinary Centre.
You are REQUIRED to notify the STEF Volunteer Coordinator of ANY incident or accident that may occur during your time with us.
Pre-Departure Preparation
You are responsible for securing your flights and visa before you arrive in Thailand. If you are planning to join us and stay in Thailand for a total duration of less than 30 days, we suggest that you enter Thailand with a tourist visa through your closest Thai embassies or consulates.
However, there is also a list of countries with Visa Exemptions. The Visa Exemption rule allows tourists to enter Thailand without applying for a visa prior to arrival. Please check the closest Thai embassies or consulate website if you are exempt.
Passport or travel document with an expiry date of no less than 6 months
- Visa application form
- One (1) recent 4 x 6 cm. photograph for the visa application
- Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
- Proof of financial means (10,000.00 Thai Baht per person/ 20,000.00 Thai Baht per family)
- Proof of hotel or private accommodation booking
- Vaccination Records (including COVID-19, if applicable)
Consular or Airport Immigration Officers may request additional documents at their discretion. It is advisable to allow enough time before travelling to submit your visa application as there is an influx of travellers applying, now that COVID travel restrictions are lifted.
The visa fee is typically around US $30.00 (or equivalent) per entry. The Tourist Visa fee is subject to change, it is recommended to contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate before submitting your visa application or to obtain the most up-to-date information regarding visa fees and types.
We recommend that you discuss vaccinations and health concerns with your healthcare provider/local physician or travel medicine clinic to receive the most up-to-date vaccination and health advice before visiting Thailand.
Please keep in mind that you will be living in the tropical area of Thailand where the temperature can easily be as high as 35-38°C in the summer months (January-June). Mosquitos and other insects are common.
The mandatory vaccines that we expect all volunteers to have:
- DTP (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio)
- Rabies
Other vaccinations you should consider are:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
Regarding Malaria, since the STEF Veterinary Centre is not located in a malaria-endemic area, it is not necessary to take any preventative medications. However, dengue fever is prevalent in our area, thus we advise all volunteers to bring along mosquito repellent spray to minimize insect and mosquito bites.
Getting to the STEF Veterinary Centre
The most convenient way to get to the STEF Veterinary Centre is by private taxi. You can book a taxi directly from Phuket International Airport or from ride hailing applications (Grab, Bolt, Maxim, Hello Phuket Service, and so on). Alternatively, we are able to arrange transfers on your behalf at additional cost. Payments need to be made in cash (Thai Baht) directly to the driver upon arrival.
Please note that the nearest airport to the STEF Veterinary Centre is Phuket International Airport (HKT) and that you should plan to arrive at the STEF Veterinary Centre before noon on the first day of volunteering with us.
- If you wish to be picked up from an airport, please email the STEF Coordinator at [email protected] the following:
- Arrival date/ time
- Flight Number
- Your contact phone number
- If you would like to be picked up from a hotel please e-mail the STEF Coordinator at [email protected] the following:
- Hotel name
- Full address
- Your contact phone number
- If you would like to be picked up from Khok Kloi bus station pleaseemail the STEF Coordinator at [email protected] the following:
- Bus number and arrival time at the bus station
- Your contact phone number
For train station arrivals (the closest train station is 3 hours away in Surat Thani province), please contact the STEF Coordinator, on +66 93 350 8405 to arrange for transportation.
Similar to the arrival process, we can also help with arranging drop-offs in Phuket or Phang Nga on your departure day. We will arrange for your departure transfer after your arrival.
Living at the STEF Veterinary Centre
Accommodation
The volunteer accommodation and kitchen is located in the same compound as the STEF Veterinary Centre, behind the main office building. Each bedroom is equipped with bunk beds and can accommodate 2 volunteers. All of our bedrooms have mosquito screens, a fan, and air-conditioner. You may need to share your bedroom with other volunteers, depending on the number of volunteers in the week that you have selected.
The bathroom and shower are not ensuite. We provide a shared bathroom and shower in the same building.
All meals are prepared by our on-site cook (except on Sundays), and are served in the pantry area. A shared fridge is available for you to use while volunteering with us. Meals are mostly Thai food.
Please inform us if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies before you arrive so that we can plan with you appropriately.
For laundry, we can drop off your laundry at the laundry shop (80 baht/ 1 kilo) in Khok Kloi town.
Essential items to bring
Below are essential items to bring along with you:
- Clothing (breathable or quick dry fabrics recommended)
- T-shirts or medical scrubs – you will be provided with one STEF T-shirt
- Trousers– you are requested to wear full-length trousers during work hours
- Lightweight jumper/ cardigan
- Flip-flops/sandals (for off-duty hours only)
- Trainers or other closed footwear for working hours
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Raincoat (especially during the rainy season (Jun-Nov)
- Towel
- Travel plug adaptor
- Voltage adapter (Thailand is on 220-240 v (50 Hz))
- Torch/ headlamp
- Rucksack (carry-on size)
- Mosquito repellent
- Anti-histamines
Dress Code
STEF veterinarian volunteers will be working alongside STEF’s vets. You will be in the presence of, and may need to interact with a lot of local people around the Southern part of Thailand. We are requesting you to dress respectfully during working hours. Respectful and suitable dress wear includes trousers and a T-shirt that covers your shoulders and torso, and closed footwear.
Cancellation, Reschedule, and Refund Policy
1. Cancellation requests can be made in writing through an email to: [email protected]
2. Should you need to reschedule after your placement is confi rmed, please write to us at [email protected]
We will hold your placement for12 months (365 days) from the confi rmed date.
3. To request a refund please contact us at [email protected]. Please note that STEF will need to deduct international transfer fees, and other bank and administration charges from the total volunteer fee. Please fi nd the table below regarding our refund deductions:
| Date of launching refund request | Deduction |
|---|---|
| 30 days prior to arrival | 5% deduction, 95% refund |
| 14 days prior to arrival | 50% deduction, 50% refund |
| 7 days prior to arrival | 75% deduction, 25% refund |
| Less than 7 days prior to arrival | 100% deduction, no refund |
4.Please note that the refund process may take up to 30 days depending on the payment method and the bank processing time.
Programme Registration Contact
Ready For Registration?
Email us at [email protected]
for more information of this program.
