For conservation professionals and passionate volunteers looking for an opportunity where their skills could make a real difference, the Thailand Manta Project (TMP) is looking for a dedicated volunteer to help take its work to the next level.

This is more than a chance to volunteer on a conservation project. It is an opportunity to work directly with a grassroots conservation leader, contribute your professional skills, build partnerships and help shape the future of manta ray conservation in Thailand.

And for the right person, it could be a genuinely transformative experience.

Applications close 30 September 2026.

🌊 Why this opportunity is special

The Andaman Sea is an important region for manta and devil rays, supporting six of the ten known species. Yet these animals continue to face significant pressures, while important gaps remain in protection, research and conservation action.

The Thailand Manta Project has been working to change that since 2015.

Founded by manta ray conservationist, dive instructor and Manta Trust Affiliate Project Leader Jamie Piyada Monmaneerat, TMP has built Thailand’s first nationwide manta ray sighting and individual database, contributed data supporting the inclusion of manta and devil rays on Thailand’s National List of Protected Species, delivered marine conservation education to thousands of divers and tourists, and developed a growing network of people contributing to manta ray research and conservation.

Now, the project is ready for its next chapter.

And that is where you could come in.

🐋 Help turn conservation ambition into action

TMP is looking for a volunteer who can commit approximately one day per week (around 8 hours) to provide operational and project support.

Working closely with Jamie, you could help coordinate activities, identify funding opportunities, develop grant applications, build partnerships and expand opportunities for citizen science, marine education and community engagement.

There is also considerable scope for the role to evolve around your own skills, experience and ideas.

You might bring expertise in fundraising or grant writing. Perhaps your strengths are project management, communications, research, partnership development, marketing, tourism, marine conservation or business development.

You don't need to be a manta ray expert.

What matters is that you are proactive, organised, reliable and passionate about conservation — and ready to turn ideas into action.

🌏 Be part of a global conservation network

The Thailand Manta Project is an Affiliate Project of the Manta Trust, connecting it to a global network of manta and devil ray researchers, conservationists, educators, media specialists and policy experts.

For someone looking to develop their conservation experience, this could mean building relationships across Thailand's marine conservation and diving communities while contributing to a project with an established track record and a clear ambition to grow.

You could help create opportunities for Thai researchers, educators and policy experts to play an even greater role in developing and implementing long-term manta ray conservation strategies.

In other words, this isn't simply about supporting what already exists.

It's about helping build what comes next.

💙 What could you gain?

Volunteering your time is a significant commitment, but so is the opportunity to use your skills for something you care deeply about.

Through the role, you could:

• Gain practical experience supporting an active marine conservation project.

• Work directly with the project's founder and leader.

• Develop relationships across Thailand's conservation and diving communities.

• Contribute to manta ray research, education and conservation.

• Build experience in fundraising, partnerships and project development.

• Help shape the future direction of a grassroots conservation initiative.

• Use your existing professional skills in a new and meaningful context.

And perhaps most importantly, you'll be contributing to the protection of some of the ocean's most remarkable animals in one of the world's important manta ray regions.

✨ Could this be your opportunity?

The ideal candidate will be based in Thailand and fluent in Thai and English, allowing them to develop relationships with local partners and stakeholders.

However, TMP will also consider applicants based elsewhere who are fluent in English and can commit to regular video calls and close collaboration with Jamie in Thailand.

The role is particularly suited to someone who is excited by the idea of joining a grassroots project at an important point in its development — someone who doesn't simply want to be given a list of tasks, but wants to bring ideas, expertise and initiative to the table.

There is also potential for the position to become paid if the project secures the funding needed to create dedicated roles in the future.

🐠 Ready to make a difference?

If you've ever wanted to put your professional skills to work for marine conservation, this could be the moment to take that step.

The Thailand Manta Project is looking for someone with the passion and commitment to help transform opportunity into action — and the impact of that contribution could extend far beyond the hours you volunteer.

To apply, send a short introduction of no more than two pages outlining your experience, relevant skills, why you are interested in the Thailand Manta Project and what you could bring to the role.

📩 Apply by emailing Jamie at jamie@mantatrust.org

Commitment: Approximately 1 day per week / 8 hours
Location: Flexible, ideally Thailand
Position: Part-time volunteer
Project: Thailand Manta Project, Manta Trust Affiliate Project
Deadline: 30 September 2026

Ready to help write the next chapter of manta conservation in Thailand?