Country Overview

Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its combination of natural beauty, temples, renowned hospitality, and cuisine. The large-scale sex industry which flourishes in Bangkok contributed to the incidence of HIV infection - a major concern for the Thai government. Thailand was one of the countries devestated by the 2004 tsunami which left thousands injured, missing or dead, and hundreds of thousands homeless.

Quick Facts:

Area · 199,614 sq miles
Population · 65,000,000
Religion · 95% Buddhist, 4% Muslim
Language · Thai
Life expectancy · 66 years (men), 74 years (women)

Our Partner: NewSong Covenant Church/Xealot

NewSong Bangkok was planted in 2004 by NewSong Covenant Church The social justice arm of their church is called Xealot. Their mission is to connect resources to young leaders around the world. Unlike many relief-based charitable organizations, Xealot seeks to empower marginalized ethnic leaders to encourage an independence that cannot come from simply providing handouts; the hope is to help communities get the jump start they need so that they can eventually provide for themselves.

Trip Description:

Teams fly into Bangkok and then spend a couple of days working in the slum ministry. From there they fly to Phuket to stay on the island of Koh Yao Yai Island. They will be involved in construction projects to help build up the island’s fishing industry. They will also participate in camps to teach English as a second language.