Volunteer Information For Hilltribes Team

Information for Thailand Volunteers

for Northern Hilltribes Team

This is information intended for volunteers and short term missionary personnel coming to serve in Thailand with the Northern Hilltribes Team of International Teams Thailand or one of it's institutions or ministries. We hope that this information will be of help in preparing to come to serve the Lord here in Thailand. Please address any questions to : John Gibson, MD - john@hilltribes.org Updated November 2002

I. General Information

Thailand is located in the South East Asian peninsula and is bordered on the North and East by Laos, East and Southeast by Cambodia (Kamphuchea), West and North by Burma (Myanmar) and South by Malaysia.

Thailand's population is just over 60,000,000 now in 77 provinces. The principle language spoken is Thai, a 5 tone language with its own distinct written language. However, there are many distinct ethno-linguistic groups living in Thailand especially in northern Thailand in the hilltribe regions. The most prevalent religion in Buddhism comprising almost 95 percent of the population. There is a small Muslim minority located primarily in southern Thailand. Christians comprise less than 1 percent of the population. The Hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand are primarily animistic in religous world view.

Thailand is a constitutional Monarchy with a multi party parlimentary political system. The Thai monarchy is one of the most important parts of Thai society and the Thai king, His Majesty, Bumiphol Adulyadej is a highly revered and respected leader and symbol. Outsiders should always be careful to show upmost respect for the royal family and never make jesting or derogatory comments under any circumstances.

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles and visitors are shown courtesy and Thais are always willing to be helpful and welcoming. The traditional greeting is called a Wai and is performed by putting the palms together and placing the hands in front of your face toward the person being greeted. This is then followed by a spoken greeting: Sawasdee. Pointing with the foot or showing the bottom of one's foot to someone is considered vulgar and offensive. Touching the head of a Thai is also offensive since this is their most "sacred" part of their body.

The climate is quite warm especially in March through May. June is usually the beginning of the rainy season which brings welcome relief to the heat. The monsoons last until late October or November. "Winter" then lasts for a short time in central Thailand, but somewhat longer in the hills of northern Thailand. The temp may reach a low of the mid to low 60 deg F. in central Thailand but much cooler in the mountains, sometimes reaching close to freezing for a short time. The weather in Nan province, where much of our work is centered in northern Thailand is rather cooler and more moderate than central Thailand in general. The scenery is breathtaking, especially on the drive through the mountains of Nan province, the most remote and least developed of all Thailand's provinces.

Thai food is world renown for it's spicy flavor and exotic tastes. Food is sold in many types of locations and forms and is very inexpensive in most situations. First class resturants and fast food places are now in abundance in Bangkok, but are much less common upcountry. It is a rare visitor or volunteer who does not like the food or has any luck in losing weight in Thailand. Some would be more careful buying food from street vendors or sidewalk cafes, although most long term personnel here eat in such places on a daily basis. It is better to avoid previously cooked foods or dishes that have been sitting out for long periods of time without being subject to boiling and reheating again. Most food cooked in front of you is safe. Bottled water is the preferred route for most, although boiled water in tea pots is safe and usually free at many resturants. Tipping is not usually necessary in most small resturants. Hotels and tourist areas often add 10 percent service fees as well as government tax.

Health care in Thailand is among the best in Asia and hospital / clinic care follows western training patterns. Most physicians speak English and many modern hospital facilities are available in Bangkok and most larger provincial areas. Pharmacies and small clinics are widely used by Thais and visitors alike and can handle minor illnesses and medication needs. Special medications should be brought along and a brief summary of chronic medical problems and contact number for your physician at home as well. We do recommend that all visitors be up to date on Tetanus and Diptheria and have had at least one booster dose of oral polio after adulthood. Other vaccinations may be needed but can be obtained locally usually for much cheaper than in the U.S. Short term personnel usually will not need to worry about other vaccines. Malaria is not a problem in Bangkok or most provincial capital areas. There are still a few specific areas that may require prophylaxis, but this will be advised on an individual basis. Japanese B encephalitis is a occasional problem, there is a vaccine available here for a very reasonable price (especially compared to the US price). Dengue fever is the most common "tropical" disease contracted by visitors. There is no vaccine, and prevention of the mosquito vector is the only prevention. It is found in all areas of Thailand even in big cities. Usually the symptoms are like a flu illness that can last for 2 or more weeks and cause high fever, headache, body aches, nausea & vomiting, anorexia and depression and malaise. Children are prone to hemorrhagic complications that can cause bleeding and shock in its severest form. Typhoid fever is still relatively common especially in situations of unsafe water or food. An effective vaccine is now available and is advisable for those working upcountry in more "rustic" situations. Diarrhea illness is quite common and is often known as "Bangkok Belly". Prevention by bismuth or by Vibramycin, or Doxycycline is perhaps of some benefit and is often worth it for short term volunteers. Many people are fearful of the blood supply in case of the need for an emergency blood transfusion. The Thailand blood supply is well screened and is as safe as any in the west. All modern clinics and hospitals use disposable needles and good sterile technique. Some barber shops are not so "clean" conscious and should be evaluated in terms of cleanliness of their razors. All the vaccines mentioned above are readily available in Thailand, and can be obtained in most hospitals. Many times these vaccines are MUCH cheaper here in Thailand (as are most medical services).

Medical (or mobile clinic team) Volunteers:

We are grateful for the many volunteers who have helped in our work at Baptist Clinic Chiangklang, Akha Medical Center, Drug Rehab and with our mobile clinic projects in northern Thailand. Here are some general guidelines to follow.

1. Try to stay in close contact with the IMB as well as the hospital or clinic. The best contact is by email: John Gibson, MD for the Nan clinic, mobile clinics, drug rehab clinics, or Akha clinic. Arrival dates and times and flight information need to be confirmed with us and any changes need to be relayed immediately.

2. Basic supplies, suture materials and medications can be brought in without difficulty. Do not bring in any opiate drugs or controlled substances however. It is best to pack in regular suitcases rather than boxes with labels and attention grabbers. If large amounts of medications or supplies are being brought, please ask me for a letter of invitation and introduction that can be shown to the customs officials should any questions arise.

3. Light summer clothing is best, slacks and sport shirts are fine for men. Women usually wear slacks or light dresses. Short shorts are not as well accepted. Tennis racquets and golf equipment may come in handy. In the rainy season, dont forget your umbrella.

4. Be prepared to be flexible and willing to fit in. We may do some things differently than in the US but generally conform to western patterns. You will likely work with a nurse translator that will help you communicate.

5. Volunteers that will be working in our mobile clinic projects, or at the Baptist Clinic Chiangklang in Nan will likely need to fly directly to Nan province. Specific information will be given if this is the case. There is one flight a day from Bangkok, leaving around 10 am from the DOMESTIC terminal at Don Muang Airport. It is often recommended that those arriving late at night from an international flight, stay at the Comfort Suites Airport Hotel. This convenient hotel is about 10 minutes from the airport and provides a free shuttle for pickup and return to the airport. The room rate is about 1,500 Baht per night which includes breakfast and the hotel can be booked online Address is: 88/117 Viphavadee – Rangsit Rd. Phone: (from overseas) 662 552 8921 Fax 662 255 3109

Visa information (for Volunteers staying over 1 month) :

Volunteers from the US staying 30 days or shorter can obtain a 30 day courtesy tourist visa at the airport in Bangkok for your stay ( This can NOT be extended in Thailand). Of course, you need a valid US passport. Please list the following address on your arrival card: Baptist Clinic Chiangklang, 119 Muu 5 T. Phra That A. Chiangklang J. Nan. For volunteers and personnel coming for more than 30 days but less than 3 months, you will need to apply for a tourist visa at the Thai Embassy in Washington DC. This is usually good for 60 days and can be extended for another month here in the country. A website with more information is available below. A tourist visa can be extended for no more than 90 days inside Thailand. After that point, the visa must be re-obtained outside the country, or on re-entry at the International airport in Bangkok.

For those staying longer, we must obtain a Non-Immigrant visa from the Thai Embassy. Please get more information from the WEBSITES below:

Thai Embassy: http://www.thaiembdc.org/consular/visa/visa.htm

You can go directly to the Visa Application (in Adope Acrobat PDF format) which can be printed and then mailed. In addition to this form, you will need a letter of invitation from me (John Gibson), or our office in Bangkok or our office in Richmond Virginia along with other document that may take some time to produce. Rule of thumb would be to begin this procedure at least 3 months before anticipated arrival date in Thailand. Medical folks should always bring signed copies of their medical licenses, diplomas and board certifications. These documents should also be sent to John Gibson in advance of arrival as well if at all possible.

http://www.thaiembdc.org/forms/visa.pdf

Travel information (for personnel coming to Nan)

For those traveling to minister at our various projects: Baptist Clinic Chiangklang, mobile clinic projects in Nan, or New Lives Rehabilitation Center in Nan, will need to travel on to Nan province by airflight from Don Muang Airport in Bangkok, from the domestic terminal. There is one flight per day on Andaman Air stops in Phrae airport on the way. These flights change frequently, so please check with Air Andaman for latest flight information. AT this moment the flight leaves Bangkok daily at 11 AM and arrives in Nan around 1:20 PM. Air Andaman has established a charge for excess baggage! Anything over 20 kilos (44 lbs) is 31.5B per kilo, per person. You may be able to bargain some. You may request help with this flight reservation through our office in Bangkok Make sure we have your latest travel itinerary by confirmed email to John Gibson.

You MUST clear customs and pick up your baggage in Bangkok, you can NOT check bags all the way to Nan from the US or overseas. The clinic in Chiangklang is about 1 hour from the airport in Nan city. We will arrange pickup for you. If by chance there is no one waiting for you at the airport in Nan, please take the van shuttle to the Dhevarat Hotel and wait in the coffee shop. You may also ask the hotel staff to call the Baptist Clinic : 054 797 261 .

If you overnight in Bangkok on your way to Nan, The Comfort Suites in Bangkok is our recommendation Comfort Suites Airport Hotel. This convenient hotel is about 10 minutes from the airport and provides a free shuttle for pickup and return to the airport. The room rate is about 1,500 Baht per night which includes breakfast and the hotel can be booked online Address is: 88/117 Viphavadee – Rangsit Rd. Phone: (from overseas) 662 552 8921 Fax 662 255 3109 . The e-mail address is pinap@loxinfo.co.th Tell them your arrival time, date and flight number and they will pick you up. For large teams: make sure they understand you have a large group with lots of luggage and they will send 2 vans. Any info booth at the airport will help you if you don't see someone with a Comfort Suites sign. Also, they will take you to the airport the next day for your flight to Nan on Andaman. Tell them you need the DOMESTIC terminal, second level, Air Andaman. Remember, there are two separate terminals for domestic and international flights.

One more thing : Make sure you get your money changed at the airport. Travelers checks are hard to use in rural areas like Nan, but easier in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. ATM’s work just fine and are a good choice to bring instead of a lot of cash or travelers checks.