Starfish Farm
Starfish starts work on our own farm December 2008. We have rented 4 Rai (equivalent to 8 football pitches) 15kms outside of Surin Town. Our plan is to provide free fruit, vegetables and fish to the most in need people in the community.
One of our Surin team, Yo, studied at Surin’s agricultural university and is busy putting together the plans for our organic farm. There is so much work to do. In December we still start to prepare the land, using peanuts plants to naturally fertilise the soil and we will dig the fish ponds. January planting will begin.
Along with the farm work there will be construction work. The land needs a toilet/shower block, roofed area and pathway system. This is a big undertaking and we need lots of volunteers to make this project a success.
The produce from our farm will help many people with basic nutritional needs. We want to hear from individuals and groups as soon as possible. If you are active, don’t mind getting your hands dirty and want to help launch a new project please call or enquire today.
- Fact File
- Location
- Schedule
| Location: | Surin |
| Arrival Airport: | Bangkok |
| Arrival Dates: | 8 Jan, 5 Feb, 5 Mar, 2 Apr, 7 May, 4 Jun, 2 Jul, 6 Aug, 3 Sep, 1 Oct, 5 Nov, 3 Dec |
| Availability: | All Year |
| Duration: | 4 weeks |
| Cost: | 4 weeks £700 |
| What is Included: | Airport pick up and transfers, Bangkok stopover, journey to location, accommodation, local coordinator |
| What you need to arrange: | International flight, visa, vaccinations, food, expenses |
Surin is located in the Northeast of Thailand, about 7 hours from Bangkok. It can be reached by bus or by train from the capital or from the North of the country. From Surin it is only one hour to the border crossing with Cambodia.
Surin and Northeast Thailand are a little off the tourist radar, but you will be rewarded when you visit, as you will get to experience the real, untouched Thailand. There are many local bars, shops and restaurants in the town plus a night food market. Surin is an extremely safe place to stay.
Surin once belonged to the Khmer empire so you will find scattered ancient temples from the same period as the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. Surin is now most famous for the annual elephant festival that takes place in November. The elephants are well treated in this region and the mahouts are proud of their standard of care.
The countryside surrounding Surin has many places of interest to visit including silk, silver and basket villages, where you can buy authentic locally made goods. Our volunteers in Surin are provided with bikes to explore Surin and the surrounding region, so you will have time to visit all of these places if you wish.
Surin has a bus and train station, so there are many ways to travel to and from the region. Easily reached from Surin include Khao Yai National Park, the Cambodia border and rural Thailand further Northeast for the more intrepid traveller.
Surin has a bus and train station, so there are many ways to travel to and from the region.
Volunteers work a 4 day week with the long weekend to relax or travel. On volunteer days our staff will pick you up in the mornings and take you to your project. Your pick up time will about 8am and you will back at your accommodation 3-4pm. Our staff work alongside you translating and supporting you throughout your day.