Thailand Gulf

The Need

Our primary goal of this trip is to continue to help improve access to preventative care for residents of the archipelago of islands in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Cambodia. Since the Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge regimes completely decimated Cambodia’s health care system, this goal is not easy to meet. Many of the local doctors have received education in Western countries, but they still need IMR’s help to service all in-need populations. According to the World Health Organization, in 2013 there were only seven hospital beds for every 10,000 residents. In addition, the islands have limited resources, limited job opportunities, and limited services, making the lives of the villagers challenging. As such, much of the care you provide at clinic will be for people who would have benefited from access to preventable care. 

For this trip, your team will collaborate with Song Saa Private Island and the Cambodian government to provide health care to islanders living within the Archipelago of the Thailand Gulf. At clinic, you will treat conditions related to malaria, intestinal parasites, cholera, diarrhea, tuberculosis, yaws, and measles. You will also help treat more serious conditions, including tuberculosis and the avian flu.

You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Another main focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as strengthen the knowledge and skills of the local midwives.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began serving Cambodia in 2012 and has since completed medical projects involving more than 750 volunteers and staff to serve over 25,000 patients. Our goal is to complete three projects annually in different areas and communities in Cambodia providing community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations. Provinces we have worked in include Phnom Penh, Pursat, Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville, Kampong Thom, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng and Kampong Cham.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

The Gulf of Thailand is bordered by the beautiful Cambodia. From the golden beaches to the lush jungle to tranquil rice paddies, Cambodia’s stunning geography will amaze you. While in the country, you can view the largest religious structure ever constructed or view a mysterious lake identified as a natural wonder. With nearly 15 million residents, Cambodia is the 72nd most populated country in the world. The country’s residents represent 24 unique ethnic groups, most easily identified by their native languages and cultures. Despite the nation’s history of poverty and conflict, the people of Cambodia are resilient, courteous, and welcoming. You will find yourself enthralled by the Asian exotica and unparalleled hospitality. In addition, since Cambodia is one of the few countries in the world that does not have a McDonald’s, you will find yourself sampling a different and delicious local dish for every meal.

This particular IMR trip starts in Sihanoukville, a quaint port city in southern Cambodia that is the departure point for the Koh Rong Archipelago. Encompassing a number of picturesque islands, the Koh Rong Archipelago delivers an off-the-radar experience with quiet, white sand beaches, protected reefs, and untouched, jungle-covered hills. Although certainly beautiful, this region of Cambodia faces the same medical care struggles that other rural areas of the country do. Across Cambodia, the lack of clean drinking water, sanitation, higher education, and reliable transportation have led to poor living and health conditions.

Lodging/Transportation

You and the team will stay in the exclusive luxury villas with private swimming pools of Song Saa Private Island, which is secluded in one of the world’s most pristine landscapes. Your team will travel via chartered boat from mainland Cambodia to the resort and will venture out daily to reach the island communities. After your days in clinic, you will have time to explore the island, enjoy the pristine beaches, and take advantage of all the Song Saa Resort has to offer.  This trip is limited in capacity due to the number of villas we have reserved so space will go fast.  Single Supplement is available for a separate villa based on price and availability at the time of booking.

Highlights

The highlight of this trip is serving the beautiful people of the Koh Rong who, without you and your team, would not have access to healthcare. Your patients will share their experiences with active landmines but will also depict their incredible stories of growth and rebirth. Since nearly half of Cambodia’s population is under the age of 15, you will leave a lasting impression on many young patients.

Extend Your Stay

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see Cambodia’s top tourist destinations? IMR offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators.

Worldwide Navigators offers a fantastic opportunity to continue your trip and explore off the beaten path, giving you more time to visit Cambodia’s beaches, mountains, waterfalls, temples, and markets.

Highlights include:

• Visiting the ruins of Angkor Wat — a funerary temple built to house Suryavarman II
• Exploring Neak Pean, the ruins of a Buddhist temple sitting in the center of a man-made island
• Experiencing the popular show, Phare — The Cambodian Circus featuring high-flying acrobatic performances and live music

See the Extensions tab on this page for details on this amazing experience!

Itinerary at a Glance