Student Travel Programs in Thailand
Rustic Pathways first offered Thailand programs in 1999, and the country has since become the hub of our Southeast Asia operations. We have an extensive team of incredible local staff who are experts at ensuring our students have authentic, transformative experiences. Thailand offers the widest range of Rustic programs, from gritty service trips and animal conservation programs to outdoor adventures and immersive cultural experiences.
An opportunity to learn and travel with other change makers around the world
Details:
An examination of tourism’s impact and efforts to protect the environment
Details:
Stay at the tranquil Mekong Service Base during a week long mix of adventure and culture
Details:
An action-packed adventure in Laos and Thailand
Details:
An advanced service program down the Mekong River in Thailand and Laos
Details:
Hidden treasures of Southeast Asia during a unique self-directed adventure
Details:
Obtain Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications while gaining hands-on medical experience
Details:
A glimpse of life at Rustic Pathways’ most popular community service base
Details:
Discover the tropical wonders and exotic islands of beautiful southern Thailand
Details:
A hands-on project working directly with elephants at a world-renowned facility
Details:
A fantastic adventure combining elephants with the best sights in the Land of Smiles
Details:
Learn about conservation efforts alongside elephant caregivers with other college students
Details:
Education service combined with a unique animal conservation experience
Details:
Seven rewarding service projects at the Ricefields Service Base
Details:
A classic journey from Chiang Mai and the northern mountains down to Bangkok
Details:
Cultural and language exchange with Karen youth in Northern Thailand
Details:
Service at the RPCH, in remote villages, and at a refugee camp along the Thai-Myanmar border
Details:
The best hotels and attractions of Southeast Asia in four countries
Details:
An epic four-country journey through some of the most beautiful and serene locations in the region
Details:
A mystical feel radiates from every corner of Thailand; tastes, colors, and scents seem more vibrant than anything you’ve encountered before. Experiencing village life—where time moves slow, food is home-grown, and family comes first—and witnessing how happy people are with so little is a revelation. It helps remind you how beautiful life can be without distractions and to notice the small things. – Bryan Haggerty, Thailand Country Director
Quote by: Bryan studied philosophy at Saint Michael’s College before moving to Southeast Asia, where he has worked for more than a decade. He taught at Chiang Mai University for several years while also advocating for local ethnic minority groups. He speaks fluent Thai and has managed our Thailand operations since 2008. Bryan splits his time between Vermont and Chiang Mai.
Meet the Rest of Team Thailand
Kadum Sanboon
Ricefields Service Base Director
A devout Buddhist, Kadum spent six years as a monk before joining Rustic Pathways where he has lovingly managed our Ricefields Base (which is also his home!) for more than 10 years. With extensive travel throughout 14 countries, fluency in three languages, and an intimate knowledge of our global operations, Kadum is one of the most experienced and respected members of our Southeast Asia team.
Panuwat ‘Maha’ Noikamkong
Ricefields Service Base Manager
Maha joined Rustic Pathways in 2004 after spending 12 years as a Buddhist monk. He has an advanced degree in Buddhist philosophy, speaks four languages, and has managed the Ricefields Base for several years. One of our most experienced teachers of Buddhism, Maha has deep community service experience in Thailand and Laos. Maha brings a steadying presence to our team and also manages the Ricefields Hotel.
Keegan Kennedy
Thailand, Laos and Myanmar Senior Country Manager
Keegan has been teaching, studying, and researching in Thailand for more than a decade. Originally from northern California, he completed his master’s thesis on the effects of forest fires on floral and fungal communities. Keegan is fluent in both written and spoken Thai and Lao, and brings his deep knowledge of Southeast Asia’s eco-systems, history, and cultures to Rustic Pathways operations year-round.
John Cody
Ricefields Base Manager
John graduated from Providence College and has been living in Thailand since 2013. He taught conversational English at public high schools before his start at Rustic Pathways in the summer of 2015, where he has since been program leading throughout Southeast Asia. He is the youngest of nine children and enjoys reading, running, and photography.
Veerayut ‘Ched’ Supadee
Thailand Senior Program Manager
This soft-spoken, easy-going Udon Thani native is a favorite with all. Ched helps coordinate our various Medical Service programs at the Ricefields Base, which run during the summer and year-round for school groups. With experience running specialized technical service and Gap Year programs in both Laos and Thailand, Ched also has a huge heart for animals and is one of the most versatile members of our team.
Dan O'Connor
Thailand Program Leader and Logistics Coordinator
Dan grew up on the north shore of Massachusetts and attended Skidmore College. After graduating in economics and German, he lived in Europe for a year. Dan is currently our Logistics Manager in Thailand and recently completed his second summer as a Program Leader. In his free time, he continues learning German and Thai and plays chess and soccer.
Wanlapa 'Nan' Loedbunlattana
Assistant Hill Tribe Base Manager
Nan grew up in a small rice farming village outside of Mae Sariang, and moved to the Baan Rai School at an early age to pursue her education. She grew up away from her parents, making her a great role model for the students at the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home. A lifelong learner, Nan is also furthering her studies by attending the local adult school.