THAILAND – BANGKOK & CHIANG MAI | MATTHEW & AMBER PRICE | MISSION GLOBAL (PAOC WORKERS)
During Spring Break 2026, 10 students and 2 staff went to serve alongside Matthew and Amber Price in Thailand. Our time was split between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The trip was filled with service projects and cultural engagement.
Serving Opportunities
Sunday School Programs | Both Sundays we were on the ground for were spent doing Sunday School programs at local churches. The first Sunday we were in Bangkok and ran three different classes, between two church locations. The second Sunday we were in Chiang Mai, here the students ran one Sunday School program together and Mrs. Keber spoke in the service.
Refugees | One morning in Bangkok was spent learning from Matthew about the realities for refugees in Bangkok.
ESL Programs | Several days were spent, in part or full, running ESL programs. Two of these were full day programs!! The students taught about different aspects of Canada to engage the Thai students with English. The program was split into sections focused on: sports, seasons, animals, the alphabet and more. There was a mix of lessons, games and interactive activities.
Children’s Homes | We had the opportunity to engage with staff and children at a couple different children’s homes. At one of these homes the children live there full time and the other runs similar to our daycare. At both places the students spent time visiting and playing games with the children.
Cleaning | In Bangkok one of our days was spent, in part, at a nearby community where we helped clean a couple homes. We joined with a group that regularly serves the community in this way.
Sightseeing
Markets | We had the opportunity to explore several markets during our stay in Thailand, one of them being one of the largest open air markets in Asia. Students had the chance to purchase their own meals at the night markets a few times. Exploring the markets allowed for souvenir shopping and experiencing local culture.
Overnight Train | Travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai was done by train, both ways being overnight. When we boarded the train our spaces were set up as chairs and table. Then partway through the train attendants came and adjusted the chairs and table to a bed and then lowered a top bunk. In the morning they came through and adjusted everything back. This was definitely a new travel experience for all of us.
Temple Tours | Buddhism is the primary belief system in Thailand. Over the years, Thai’s have incorporated elements of several other belief systems into their Buddhist practices. While in Chiang Mai we had the chance to tour several temples and gain a better understanding of Thai Buddhist practices. Taking time to learn and tour gave us even more insight into Thai culture.
Elephant Sanctuary | In Chiang Mai, we spent a morning at an elephant sanctuary. These elephants have been rescued from harsh work environments. While there we got to feed and pet the elephants, give them a mud bath and then rinse them off.
Boat Excursion | Our final day was spent on a boat excursion out of Pattaya. This was a great opportunity to rest and have fun together. Our boat was anchored near an island called “Monkey Island”, allowing us to see monkeys from the boat – or for those that choose to swim closer we could see them from the water.