Global Builders – Thailand
Global Builders Thailand
Despite its many attractive features, there is a great need for decent shelter as there are many families who could never afford to improve their home with conventional builders and bank financing. Many of these families live in very basic and inadequate structures made of Teak wood, but desire a more adequate and modern house. We are partnering with families in the city of Lampang in northern Thailand to offer them an opportunity to reach their dreams.
Getting Involved
There are several ways that you can get involved:
- Donate to support this specific partner. Houses cost money to build, so any donation is always helpful!
- Volunteer on one of our Global Builders teams, which you can learn more about below. You’ll travel to Thailand and get to know the local people and traditions while you partner with families to complete a home.
- Join a virtual volunteer team, choosing to donate your travel costs instead of making the trip in person. This is the perfect way to stay involved and give back.
House Sponsorship Cost: $7,000
Upcoming Trips
Click on the leader’s name to learn more about the leader and trip details. Click “Join” to apply for their trip. Have a spot reserved on a “Full” trip? Complete your registration here. Or learn about sending funds to support local labor by joining as a virtual participant.
| City | Trip Number | Team Leaders | Dates of Trip | Cost | Status |
| Lampang | 47036 | Bill Burnett | January 27 - February 4, 2024 | $1430 | Join |
| Lampang | 47039 | Stirling Davidson | February 10 - 18, 2024 | $1330 | Join |
| Lampang | 47038 | Donna Brightman | March 17 - 24, 2024 | Full | |
| Lampang | 47037 | Lou Cappiello | November 3 - 13, 2024 | $1620 | Join |
Each trip to Thailand will be with a group of mission-minded volunteers – typically 8-20 total – who want to experience the world, meet new people, and make a difference. No skills required. Trips last 1-2 weeks and include sightseeing in this beautiful, mountainous nation.
Thailand prides itself as a welcoming place for tourists to visit, and it is such a major part of the Thai economy that many areas have become very touristy. Lampang, the small city where we are working, holds the original sense of Thailand without the drawbacks that tourist centers frequently bring. Traditional restaurants sit next to attractive, modern Thai-owned coffee shops, and cars share the road with horse-drawn carriages. It is the perfect place to walk around and safely explore modern Thailand.
Many families in Lampang, especially on the outskirts and rural areas surrounding the city, live in very basic homes of Teak wood that are sadly inadequate for modern living. Families desire and deserve homes that can keep out rain, insects and other critters, but the dirt floors and wide gaps in the wooden walls fall short. The Fuller Center believes that no family should need to live this way and so helps to build homes that are simple and decent according to modern Thai standards.
Volunteer labor, along with the Biblical model of a no-profit, no-interest loan makes the homes affordable for families; the family’s repayments make the same opportunity available for others. The work is led by a Board of Directors of dedicated Thais who are motivated by their Christian faith and donate their time and energy into making the program possible.
What is a trip like?
Each trip to Thailand will be with a group of mission-minded volunteers – typically 8-20 total – who want to experience the world, meet new people, and make a difference. No skills required. Trips last 1-2 weeks and include sightseeing in this beautiful, mountainous nation.
- 7:00 – Breakfast
- 8:00 – Depart for work-site
- 8:30 – Start building
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 1:00 – Continue building
- 5:00 – Evening free for dinner and relaxation
Exact schedules can be discussed and set depending on the team’s preferences and length of stay.
We will be building mostly new homes throughout the Lampang area. The homes will be built with block and will typically be around 500 square feet. Work will typically involve helping the masons and carpenters. This work involves laying block, mixing/carrying cement and mortar, digging the foundation, moving materials, and digging latrines. We will provide necessary tools, but as with most build sites, it never hurts to bring a few small hand tools with you.
The Regent Lodge is a hotel that is located in the heart of Old City, Lampang. It offers double rooms and includes a nice breakfast buffet. To learn more you can visit their page on Booking.com here.
A small bus/taxi will be rented out to transport the group throughout each day. The drive to the build site will vary but it will generally be between 10-30 minutes. For evening travel, much of town is within an easy walk, or the vehicle can be rented out for evening excursions as well.
Bedding and towels are provided, but we recommend you bring your own washcloth. Common items like bugspray and sunscreen are essential, but your best option is to coordinate with others on your team and share these items. Luggage can often get delayed, so bring your luggage as a carry-on if possible. Sturdy work clothes, closed-toed shoes, and a hat for the sun are essential, since the work will be tough and the weather hot.
Thailand is a place that is very friendly to tourists and offers a lot of sightseeing opportunities. One of the most popular places to visit in Lampang is the Elephant Home where you can watch an elephant show as well as potentially learn to ride and care for elephants. Lampang is also known for its horse carriages which offer different tours of the city. Groups can also explore on their own in the evenings as there are many shops and restaurants located within walking distance of the hotel and guesthouse
Prices vary based on team size and trip duration, but a 1 week trip will cost roughly between $1300 to $1600. That price covers lodging, local transportation including airport pick-up, three meals per day, bottled water, travel health insurance, and a contribution toward building materials. Fees do not include airfare, visa fees, tips, or site-seeing (unless otherwise indicated).
If looking to bring a group contact globalbuilders@fullercenter.org for more details or submit your trip proposal here.
Are you unsure of how to prepare for such an experience or just looking for some tips on how to be better prepared? If so, we suggest you take a look at our Trip Preparation page where you will find a lot of helpful information and links – Preparing For Your Trip!
Pricing – What’s included?
| Team Materials | Fuller Center hat, t-shirt, country guidebook, fundraising guide, & more |
| Trip Support | Easy contact with Team Leader and Global Builders staff |
| Food and Drink | 3 meals a day provided by safe, sanitary local vendors |
| Transportation | To and from work sites and airport |
| Lodging | Lampang guesthouse or Regent Lodge |
| Travel Insurance | Provided by Berkley Accident and Health, with Healix Emergency Assistance Services. More details are provided upon registration. |
| Life-changing work | Alongside your teammates and the homeowners! |
What happens after the trip?
Even after you return, your trip can have a sustained impact on both you and the community in which you served!
Learn how on our Country Champions page.
Learn the Basics – Area Info
| Language: |
Thai (Official) 90.7%, Burmese 1.3%, Other 8%
|
| Age Structure: |
0-14 years 17.18%, 15-24 years 14.47%, 25-54 years 46.5%, 55+ 21.85%
|
| Population: |
68,200,824 (2016 est.)
|
| Life Expectancy: | 74.7 years (Male 71.5, Female 78) |
| Climate: | Highs: 80s to 90s Lows: 60s to 70s Rainy Season: May-September |
| Currency: |
Thai Baht (THB) $1USD = 33.3 THB
|
| Literacy Rate: |
96.7% (96.6% Male, 96.7% Female)
|
| Ethnic Groups: |
Thai 97.5%, Burmese 1.3%, Other 1.1%, Unspecified <0.1%
|
| Religion: |
Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.3%, Christian 1%, Other/None 0.1%
|