Bangkok, Thailand

July 3–17, 2010

Known as the “Land of Smiles” Thailand’s people will amaze you with their kindness and unique culture. Bangkok is abounding with magnificent palaces, temples, night markets, exotic foods, entertainment and shopping. If you are looking for the most rewarding and adventurous vacation of a lifetime, then join us to help eliminate poverty housing in the wonderful city of Bangkok. No building experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn, an open mind and a warm heart.

About Thailand
Thailand (or “Prathet Thai” to locals) is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Myanmar. Laos and Cambodia also border Thailand to the north and east.

The climate in Thailand is tropical with a rainy, warm, cloudy monsoon season in the southwest (mid-May to September) and a dry, cool monsoon season in the northeast (November to mid-March). The southern isthmus is always hot and humid.

Thailand's population is relatively homogeneous. More than 85 percent speak a dialect of Thai and share a common culture. Theravada Buddhism is the religion of about 95 percent of the country’s people. The government permits religious diversity, and other major religions are represented. Spirit worship and animism are widely practiced.

About Bangkok
The population of Thailand was estimated at more than 65 million by 2009. Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and one of the world's largest cities by population with more than 8.5 million residents. The city has much to offer, but due to large unregistered influxes of migrants from northeastern Thailand and of many nations across Asia, the population of greater Bangkok is growing—putting greater strains on infrastructure, housing and basic services.

The government’s National Housing Authority estimates some 8.2 million people live in substandard housing. Problems are particularly acute in Bangkok. Migrants face high rents for small rooms and often live in overcrowded areas plagued by a lack of proper sanitation facilities. Squatter settlements are commonly seen along railway lines or near port and industrial areas.

About Habitat for Humanity Thailand
Habitat for Humanity Thailand was formed in 1998 and focuses its efforts on housing needs in small urban areas in and around Bangkok, where migration from rural areas into urban centers has put a strain on the availability of affordable land plots.

HFH Thailand’s tsunami-reconstruction program has served more than 1,500 families as of 2008 and is being transformed, as planned, into a regular program. The move reflects the continuing strong need for affordable housing in the south of the country. For more information, visit www.habitatthailand.org. (An English language version of the site is available.)

Types of construction for volunteers
HFH Thailand’s houses are typically 36 square meters each in size, and the design features the use of concrete interlocking blocks or concrete hollow blocks with a tiled roof. On-site volunteers can expect to move dirt, move blocks, dig septic tanks, bend rebar, mix concrete, pour concrete and lay block under the supervision of a local foreman. No previous construction skill or experience is required.

Standard itinerary
Saturday, July 3:Depart for Thailand.
Sunday, July 4: Arrive in Bangkok; travel to accommodations.
Monday, July 5: Welcome and orientation with local staff; visit project sites and families; welcome dinner.
Tuesday, July 6—Saturday July10: Typical work days: breakfast served before traveling to worksite; work from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; free time after work to clean up; dinner; free time for activities.
Sunday, July 11: Free day; local activities and site seeing.
Monday, July 12–Thursday July 15: Typical work days: breakfast served before traveling to worksite; work from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; free time after work to clean up; dinner; free time for activities.
Friday, July 16: Travel to departure accommodation in Bangkok; free time; dinner and overnight.
Saturday, July 17: Depart for home.

Note: Special events throughout the week include cultural experiences such as market tours, or visits to museums, orphanages, sporting events, schools and historical sites.

Accommodations
The team can expect lodging in a local hotel or guesthouse with participants sharing double-occupancy rooms and shared baths. The trip cost includes three meals per day, including traditional Thai lunches on the build site and snacks and bottled water.

Trip cost
$1,580

Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant airfare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities and team coordination and orientation materials. The team leader’s trip cost and estimated airfare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant airfare, R&R activities or visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).

Team leader
Michael Anthony has been involved with Habitat Global Village for almost three years; this will be his third build in Thailand and his second as a team leader. Michael has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia and is looking for a team of individuals who will be flexible, open-minded and commit two weeks of hard work. Michael believes that building a home is only half the trip’s purpose; exploring a new culture, making new friends and recharging an appreciation for life is equally important. He encourages all ages to apply and be part of this special team.

For more information, email Michael at mikeanthonywon@yahoo.com.