About

Volunteer Spirit Association (VSA Thailand) is a Public–Private Development and Peace Organization dedicated to promoting international voluntary service and intercultural understanding. As Thailand’s representative of the International Voluntary Service (IVS) movement, VSA serves as a bridge connecting people from diverse cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds through meaningful community-based projects worldwide.

VSA’s programs foster mutual understanding, appreciation of cultural diversity, and solidarity among people and nations. By engaging volunteers in activities that respond to community needs, VSA contributes to building individual capacities, reducing conflict, and enhancing local development potential.

Founded in 2008 under the name SAWASDEE Thailand (ST), the organization organized its first international workcamp in 2009. Today, VSA is a proud and active member of the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) under UNESCO, continuing its mission to advance peace, education, and sustainable community development through international volunteerism.

VSA Quote

'Think Global Act Local'

2026

• Launched a new international collaboration with the Service National de la Jeunesse (SNJ), Luxembourg.

2025

• January – June:

  • Launched a UK-Accredited Diploma in International Volunteering (June).

  • Received invitations to the Global Youth Summit at Yenepoya University (Mangalore, India) and the I.V.Y. AFRICA Interregional Volunteer Youth for Heritage and Climate Action MadEx - WHV Unesco (May/June).

  • Partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) (June).

  • Signed MOUs with Mae Hong Sorn College and Wachiralai School (June).

• August – December:

  • Established the Khlong La Community Tourism Enterprise Group (August).

  • Partnered with Khao Rup Chang Town Municipality and RPK 33 Lopburi School (August).

  • Initiated collaboration with the Global South Alliance for Young Changemakers (India–Ghana–Sri Lanka–Thailand–Mauritius).

2024

• Became a partner of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – European Union project (PreLab).

• Hosted the ICYE Asia-Pacific Meeting and the "Safer Together" Policy Against Sexual Violence Training (March).

• Signed an MOU with the International College, Thaksin University.

• Started hosting specialized group programs, including a psychology student group, a teacher study visit program (November), and a new workcamp in Ghana (December).

2023

• Became a member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) (May 30).

• Approved for participation in the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers program (June).

• Started hosting student immersion groups (June).

• Launched a Health and Wellness Program for Medical Students (December).

• VSA President, Laksana Rodtrakul, joined the Khok Muang Credit Union Cooperative Committee (2023–2024).

2022

• Initiated cooperation and began hosting volunteers with the Weltwärts Program, Germany (July/August).

• Took over the Volunteer Spirit Network Web-Portal in Thailand (Social Media in June, Web Portal in August).

• Launched VSpace and the VSA Podcast (December).

• Started the Waste Upcycling Project.

• Published the book IVS in Asia.

2020

• Post-COVID-19: Relocated the VSA Office back to Learning HOME and launched Virtual Workcamps.

• Approved by the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior, to organize international workcamps with OTOP Nawatvitee Communities across 5 pilot provinces: Chiang Mai, Nakhon Phanom, Sing Buri, Trang, and Chon Buri (March 17).

• Held the position of NVDA Executive Committee Treasurer (August 2020 – June 2021).

• Published the book IVS in Thailand.

2019

• Became a member of the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE).

• Established networking with the Foundation for Thailand Rural Reconstruction Movement under Royal Patronage, Thai Health Promotion, and the Volunteer Spirit Network in Thailand (October).

• Began networking with the Community Development Department, Thailand (November).

2017

• Held the first General Assembly with local partners.

• Launched a community project at Ban Din Na School, Krabi.

2016

• Held the position of NVDA Executive Committee General Secretary (2016–2017).

• Relocated the VSA Office to Palm Spring Village Airport, Hat Yai, Songkhla.

2015

• Hosted the Asian Youth Leadership Training at Ban Krok Luk School, Nakhon Ratchasima (April 16–24).

• Began working on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in collaboration with business companies.

2014

• Hosted major international events in Songkhla (January):

  • Pre-Workcamp (Organic Agriculture Camp).

  • 10th Training and Networking Workcamp.

  • 9th General Assembly & the Asian Summit for International Voluntary Service.

  • 5th Global LMTV Meeting (GLM).

• Held the position of NVDA Executive Committee Treasurer (2014–2015).

• Launched the VSA Volunteer project and relocated the VSA Office to Learning HOME.

• Initiated VSA Publishing and began cooperation with partners on the EU Erasmus+ Program.

2013

• Attended the Alliance Technical Meeting as a guest in Slovakia (February).

• Became a partner of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organizations (November).

• Relocated the VSA Office to ICL House.

2012

• Expanded projects nationwide, including Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Trang, Loei, Nakhon Pathom, and Kanchanaburi.

2011

• Joined the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), an international network founded under UNESCO.

• Became a full member of the Network for Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA).

• Initiated the Mid/Long-Term Volunteer (MLTV) Project.

• Established Peace Village: The Intercultural and Language Learning Center (ICL Center).

• Launched Bilateral/Group Workcamps and the Thai Volunteers Outgoing Program.

2010

• Officially registered as the Volunteer Spirit Association (VSA Thailand) on March 17.

• Became an associate member of the Network for Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA).

2009

• Hosted the First International Camp at Klonghae Temple, Songkhla (August).

2008

• Established as the SAWASDEE Group (World Tanabata Action).