How many students live at the orphanage?
Currently (in December 2005) there are 40 students on site.

How old are the students?
They range from 4 to 15 years old.

How much English can the students speak?
Most of them are beginners.

How many others are served by OPC?
Over 100 migrants and children are given aid in the various programs.

How much does it cost to live in Mae Hong Son?
Guest house prices range from about 100 - 400 Baht per night (US $2.50 - $10). Typical meals cost about 25 - 100 Baht (US $0.63 - $2.50). (Foreign exchange rates.)

How are the accommodations?
At the low end, bathrooms are shared, and no extras are provided. For 350 Baht we had a clean tiled room, private bathroom, hot shower, cable television (with BBC news), and a ceiling fan. Higher priced accommodations are also available.

What's Mae Hong Son like?
It is a very pleasant small town surrounded by mountains. There are a number of places to walk with little or no traffic. Since it is a tourist spot, there are many restaurants and shops, but no malls. However, there is a convenient 7-11. Trekking and touring opportunities are widely available.

Is there Internet access and international phone service?
As of now there is only cell phone communication at the school and office. In town there are numerous Internet Cafes and international phone booths. The office does have computers.

What is the time difference?
All of Thailand is +7 hours GMT, so if it is 12 noon in Thailand it is 5 AM in London, 12 midnight in New York, 9 PM in Los Angeles.

How is the weather?
The rainy season can last from May to October. Temperatures are generally warm throughout the year, but it can get chilly at night from December - March. Fahrenheit details. Celsius details.

What donations would be greatly appreciated?
Children's clothing, toys, sporting goods, food, computer equipment, textbooks, audio-visual equipment, money and volunteering.

Who can I contact with more questions?
Please e-mail the project director, Kham Chuen, at , or call 061-986-480 (mobile phone) or 053-612-926 (evenings and weekends).

 

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