Frequently Asked Questions

• What medical shots do I need? Firstly we advise you see a Travel Doctor, they will give you the appropriate advice with any current medical issues in the area. You can mostly likely expect to get Hepatitis A and B, these can be combined in a single shot x 3, tetanus shot this helps prevent lock jaw if you cut your skin with any rusty element. Measles, mumps and rubella (you may have had this as a child) and they can offer a drink that helps you to resist many common types of food poisoning that will last up to 6 months. Shots are expensive and your will need to allow 3 months and you will be able to purchase a diarrhoea pack.
• Do I need malaria tables? This is up to your own discretion. On some maps Fang is stated as a malarial area. You can by generic brands of the malarial tables which are much cheaper. Please follow the instructions on the drug packet, if you choose to take the drugs you will need to begin taking tablets a few days prior to your arrival and continue to take the drugs a few days after leaving.
• Is food sickness common? Yes, especially if you eat off a street vendor. You need to ensure that it is freshly cooked and do not eat fruit or vegetables that has been pre cut. Tap water is unsuitable for drinking, restaurants will provide filtered water for free, but you need to be vigilant to brush your teeth with bottled water (bottled water is very cheap) and be aware that salads unless requested are most likely rinsed with tap water. However, your immune system will build resistance as you stay and you may be able to eat more freely. Upon arrival Blood Foundation will point out trusted restaurants with fantastic food to help you thoroughly enjoy your Thai experience. (We recommend the medical drink to help prevent food poisoning).
• What is the food like? Delicious! If you like Thai. There are few western restaurants too but the Thai food is by far the best and of a high standard.
• What clothes should I bring? Depending on the weather we recommend that you have sandals that can easily slip on and off, sneakers, loose clothing/cotton for hot weather, long pants and a few long sleeve tops
• What should I bring? Bring your mobile phone (have the simlock removed so you can buy local phone cards), a laptop if you have one, bring your own familiar medicines as over here they are mostly labelled in Thai as well as bandaids/plasters. Bring tropical strength mosquito replant, you will need this daily (mmm… smells good!).
• What is the weather like? Yearly table of weather and rain.
• What will I do for transport? When you arrive in Chaing Mai you can catch a bus (3 1/2hrs) to Fang for 100 bht. Once in town you can hire a motorbike (we recommend, if possible you do a motorbike course). Cars and motorbikes are very difficult to hire in Fang.
• How much money will I need? On a weekly basis we would recommend 2,600 bht plus accommodation cost.
• What can I do in my free time? There are many things to see and do in your free time. In Fang we recommend seeing the Hot Springs, the Hills on the Burmese boarder, markets, jungle treks and orange farms. A short drive out of the Fang and you can visit many more touristy sites even travel across to the Golden Triangle (4hrs) where Laos, Burma and Thailand meet, here you can take a boat tour and even go into Laos and shop at the markets. (See Google Earth, Lonely Planet and Wikipedia)
• How much will I be required to work? This will be decided on an individual basis but you can expect that most volunteers will be working 32 hour week.
• What should I bring? If you have a laptop, that will would be really handy, there are many free wireless ports and if you have a universal power adaptor you can charge at the same time (you can purchase them in Thailand).
• What is useful to bring from the west if I wish to contribute? Simple English books (learn to read style). They are very difficult to find here. If you are from Australia bring a tube of Vegemite to share and one for Ben (he will love you forever!). Everything else is able to be bought here and is much cheaper.
• What is the accommodation like? Small, with a toilet, hot shower, bed, storage space and small outside area complete with a kettle and toaster!
• Is there a local hospital? Yes there is. If you are sick you can go straight to the Emergency Room and where they speak English and can help you with any need, big or small.
• What type of shops are there? Tesco Lotus! So happy it is here, it is the most western place you will find. There are many local markets where great bargains can be found. Café’s, motorbike stores, basically there is one of everything.