Kok Payom is a small fishermen's village with a population of about 600 located 7 kilometers away from the town of La Ngoo in Satun Province, Southern Thailand. The village is next to a big river and because it is only 10km for the sea the water is salty and there is a tide. It is a very peaceful location surrounded by an area of mangrove forest. Almost all the families of the village are linked to the fishing industry, usually being involved in either fish or shrimp farming and there is a strong community with many of the families having lived in the village for over 100 years. While fishing remains a strong industry their traditional way of life has changed a lot and the village faces lots of challenges. The community has recognized these problems and is working hard to find solutions to the environmental and social issues they face. They greatly welcome visitors, activists and volunteers who can contribute to these efforts. Becoming part of this close community is a special experience for our volunteers and you will learn a lot about village life away from the rush of the city. Lead a life as easy-going as a countryman!

The villagers of Kok Payom are Muslim so there is no pork or alcohol in the village. Women should dress modestly although you will discover when you live there that the villagers are very relaxed.

Project activities - Community Living, Creative English Teaching and Environment

This project is developing all the time so you can introduce new activities if you want. Previous work has included:Creating a place where local people and children can learn and become more aware of the importance of our environment
Give creative English lessons to the local school and to adults in the village
Collecting info on re-use of materials
Separating garbage, some of which can be sold to factories
Organizing nature trips with children
Planting young seedlings in the mangrove forests
Cultivating more seedlings in the nursery
Organizing fun and enjoyable activities for the village children

Aims of project
to help preserve environment in the village
to give non-formal English classes to the local schools and interested village adults
to help raise environment awareness in the village
to support and share experiences with the local community of Kok Payom
to build friendship between volunteers and local people
to organize fun and enjoyable activities to the village children
to cultivate young mangrove seedlings
to be part of the community of Kok Payom village

You will stay in the triple hut, bungalow-like, dormitory style with the other volunteers

depends on length of staying (minimum of 2-month stay)

Kok Payom village, La Ngoo, Satun province (south of Thailand)

Hat Yai (from Bangkok you can choose to travel by plane, bus or train)

If you are interested, ask your organization for a more detailed info sheet of this project.