Links:
Orphanages:
Tree of Life Orphanage
http://www.treeoflifeorphanage.com/
This is an orphanage run by Roger Walker (one great Texan)
and his Thai wife, Phongsri. They are located in Buriram
and have been running this orphanage since 1989. Read more about them and
'their kids', click on the link.
Safe Haven Orphanage - Thailand
Bamboo school - http://www.bambooschool.org/wp/
Baan Dada (Ananda Vidyadharma) http://www.baandada.org/
Baan Unrak http://www.baanunrak.org/
Charitable contribution sites:
Hope is Life Foundation http://www.hopeislife.org/ This is a new foundation that is run by a great family from Fairport NY, the Yogachandra family. They are working throughout SE Asia to better children's lives through books, education, facilities and health care. Click on their site to find out more.
100 Friends http://www.100friends.com/ This is a great project started in 1989 by a gentleman by the name of Marc Gold. He too started with almost nothing and over time has built it into a thriving organization through many small contributions from 'Friends'. Wonderful site. .
Kiva http://www.kiva.org This is a multi-national organization that loans money to entrepreneurs after receiving 'small gifts' from volunteer lenders. The 'gift' money is paid back by the proceeds of the project. I have just started to make some of these 'gifts' and do not have very much 'history' for them. It looks like a great project and I'll keep you informed as to my experience with them. Click on the site and see what you think.
Internet Resources:
Stickman http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/ This is probably the most read site for Thailand. Especially useful for single travelers in Thailand. Covers many topics in the writers forum. One great weekly column and readers submissions updated daily.
bangkokatoz http://www.bangkokatoz.com/ Great weekly column written by 'Mekong Kurt'. He is an ex-pat living in Bangkok after spending much time living and teaching in China. His writing is very straightforward and practices 'clear speak'. You will be able to understand exactly what he means. Many interesting topics and updates on the Washington Sq. section of Bangkok.
BKK Steve http://www.bkkimages.com/ Very helpful and interesting person who also runs this Bangkok based photography school. If you are looking for photography instruction or great photographs, click on this site and see how Steve can help.
Richard K Diran http://www.diranart.com/ Often referred to as the 'Indiana Jones' of SE Asia, Richard has lived an incredibly interesting life. Richard is a writer, photographer, artist, adventurer and gemologist. Click on this site to see some of his amazing work and read some of his fascinating travel stories. You won't be disappointed.
Great Travel Sites:
This is a great site to find inexpensive guest houses around SE Asia http://www.travelfish.org
Great Airfare site from the US http://www.bt-store.com