we have suspended volunteering at the moment outside of highly qualified individuals (such as veterinarians) because of multiple reasons and I mean no disrespect when I say this. The fact of the matter is that we have enough local volunteers at the moment and it can be quite complicated for us to legally get foreign volunteers involved due to a recent crackdown on "volunteer visas."
As crazy as it sounds, it is considered illegal for a foreigner to do any work here, even for free and even if it is for a good cause.
I am sorry if I have given you the wrong impression about that. Soi Dogs is a much larger operation than we are, as is Lanta Animal Welfare and perhaps they have the connections necessary to make this happen.
As much as I appreciate your decision to come and help us, I think that this is where you should reach out. Lanta is a lovely place, I think you might like it there better than Krabi Town, which is where we are located.
I hope this helps and let me know if there is more that I can help with.
Hey there no problem and so sorry for the late reply!
That is such a shame that you had the shut down international volunteers, but I'm so happy that you do actually have enough local volunteers, if you didn't then it would be far worse....
I wonder why they're picking on you if Soi Dogs and Lanta can take international vollies...?
I have had to postpone the trip, but when I do come, would I be able to come and visit?
I do intend to come to Krabi, I've only been there once before for a few hours waiting for a boat to Koh Yao Noi and I really loved what I saw so am def planning on coming back there to stay longer.
They aren't necessarily picking on us but a big part of our community image is based on not bending any rules. We have a great relationship with the government right now and would prefer not to push the limits. We never know when we are going to encounter some "by the book" person that will bust anyone regardless of what they are doing is actually a net benefit for the community.
I say this because there was a large environmental group that operated out of this area that was "raided" by the labor department and immigration for "employing" a bunch of people to go and clean up beaches and other nature areas. None of the volunteers had work permits was their claim even though the organization was a not for profit and nobody was being paid. If they bust them they would bust us and and therefore it is just better to keep a low profile.