The Board Factory Co., Ltd. is the name of the factory behind SUNOVA Surfboards. Working here means stepping into something real. You’ll be based in Khao Lak, Thailand — a quiet beach town 45 minutes north of Phuket, living just 2km from the ocean. It’s not a famous surf spot, but when the waves show up, you’ll be in the water.

You’ll work alongside both local Thai staff and an international crew, learning hands-on in the factory and experiencing daily life in a tight-knit community. From shared meals to beach bonfires, it’s more than just work; it’s a connection.

Duration: Minimum of 2–3 months, with placements up to 6 months.

This internship is unpaid, as it operates under an educational visa, which does not allow salaried work.

01. Creative Content, Design & Digital Media

Graphic Design

Create print and digital assets (brochures, ads, packaging, web visuals) using tools like Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma.

Photography

Capture and edit product, lifestyle, and action shots for social, web, and campaigns. Assist on shoots.

Video Production

Help film and edit surf content, Reels, and behind-the-scenes footage.

Social Media Content

Work with the media team to plan and produce content for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Highlight factory life, rider culture, product drops, and keep the community engaged.

Ideal Backgrounds/Majors:

Graphic Design, Photography, Multimedia Arts, Visual Communication, Film & Video Production, Media Arts, Digital Media Studies, Communications (media focus), Marketing (content/social focus), Journalism (visual storytelling)

02. Marketing & E-Commerce Projects

Marketing

Help grow the brand and connect with a global surf audience. Assist with campaigns, product launches, and promotional content. Support crowdfunding efforts like Kickstarter.

E-Commerce

Contribute to customizing and optimizing our Shopify store, especially if you have experience with Shopify or CSS.

Ideal Backgrounds/Majors:

Marketing, Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, Business, Entrepreneurship, Communications, Web Design, Web Development, Graphic Design (web/e-commerce focus), Computer Science (front-end or Shopify focus)

03. Manufacturing

Gain hands-on experience in surfboard production, from shaping to finishing. Learn manufacturing basics, assist in various stages, support quality control, and help organize workflow. Discover how craftsmanship and consistency thrive in a production environment.

Ideal Background/Majors:

Industrial Design, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Technical Trades (woodworking, composites, CNC), Environmental Science (sustainability focus)

04. IT, Systems & Database Development

Work on internal IT solutions like network setup, cloud systems, and backups. Help develop our ERP database to connect manufacturing, sales, and customer service. Experience with FileMaker, Shopify, and Google Workspace is a plus.

Ideal Background/Majors:

Information Technology (IT), Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), Software Engineering, Database Administration, Cybersecurity, Web Development

05. Got Your Own Idea?

Didn’t see your skillset listed? No problem. Pitch us your idea — we're open to creating custom projects that align with your strengths and goals.

Whether you’re into marketing, production, design, or just figuring it all out, here’s how things go down:

Step 1: Apply
Send us your application through our Google Form. Tell us what you're into — your motivation, your ideal time frame, and what area/project you’d like to explore.

We’ll check it out and get back to you within the next week. If it’s a good fit, we’ll move to…

Step 2: Interview Time
You’ll have a first call over Google Meet, a casual chat to get to know each other and see if your vibe matches ours.

Depending on the project you apply for, there may be a second interview.

Step 3: Prep Like a Pro
We’ll guide you through the contract process, plus help with any university or scholarship paperwork.

Need help booking flights, getting a visa, or sorting health insurance and vaccines? We’ve got you.

Step 4: Arrival Day
Welcome to Thailand! When you arrive, we’ll take care of everything: your transportation from the airport to Khao Lak, TBF shirts, a tour of the facility, plus your personal TBF email and access to your project.

Step 5: The Internship
From day one, you’ll be part of the team. You’ll help build real surfboards, launch real marketing campaigns, contribute to real systems, and be part of a lifestyle that’s just as much about the waves as it is about the workflow.

Step 6: Wrap-Up
At the end of your stay, if you feel inspired to write a blog post about your experience, we’d love to feature it on our site. You’ll also receive a certificate of employment.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 or 18 months (depending on your length of stay) when you arrive in Thailand. You'll need it to apply for your visa, and getting a passport can take up to 6 weeks unless you pay for expedited processing.

Flights

Book your flight to Phuket and we will make sure to get you picked up there. You need the flight confirmation for your visa application.

Visa

The Thai E-Visa is the easiest and most reliable way to enter the country, especially for students applying for an educational visa. It's fully online, hassle-free, and can be completed from home before you travel.

To make your journey smoother, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you apply for the Non-Immigrant ED Visa, which is required for internships like yours.

1. Visit the Official Thai E-Visa Website
   Head to https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ to begin your application.
2. Create an Account
   You’ll need to register for an account before starting your visa application.
3. Have Your Passport Ready
   Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
4. Select the Correct Visa Type
   Choose the Non-Immigrant Visa (ED). This visa is valid for 90 days (single-entry). Note: If your internship lasts longer than three months, you will need to either renew your visa at an immigration office (inside or outside the country), or take a weekend trip to a nearby country and re enter Thailand, a popular and budget friendly option among interns (can only do this twice a year).
5. Prepare Required Documents
   The application will prompt you to upload several documents.
   
   You are responsible for securing:
   1. A recent biometric photograph (4x6cm) for the application.
   2. A bank statement showing proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
   3. A student verification letter from your university or college.
   
   We will provide these required supporting documents:
   1. An official invitation letter
   2. The DBD company registration
   3. A signed copy of the director’s passport
   
   
6. Accommodation Details
   For the accommodation section, you can list:
   
   Private Property
   The Board Factory Co., Ltd.
   34/7 Moo 2
   A. Takuapa, T. Khuk Khak
   Phang-Nga 82220
   Thailand
   
   
7. Double-Check Everything Before Submitting
   Review your application carefully, even a small typo can lead to a rejection, and the visa fee (approx. US$94.00) is non-refundable.
8. Wait for Approval
   Visa processing times vary by country but generally take 2–6 weeks. You will be notified by email once your visa is approved, or you can log in to your account to check the status.
9. Print and Present Your E-Visa Upon Arrival
   To avoid confusion at immigration, print a copy of your approved E-Visa and present it with your passport when you arrive in Thailand. If you don’t show your e-visa, you may be issued a standard tourist visa (valid for only 60 days) instead.
   
   Visa requirements may vary by country—check your local guidelines for accuracy.

International Health Insurance

Standard travel insurance likely won’t cover an extended stay of several months. Make sure to get additional coverage specifically for your internship (e.g. through ADAC). Please note, these costs are your responsibility.

Vaccinations

Be sure to visit your doctor well in advance to get any required vaccinations. Some may require multiple doses and time to become fully effective.

Debit/Credit Card

You can withdraw Thai Baht from ATMs once you're in Thailand, but check with your bank beforehand to make sure your card will work here.

International Driver License

Most European driver's licenses are not valid in Thailand. They aren't too strict if you don't have an international but you will have to pay around 500 Baht (US$ 15.00) if you get caught so be sure apply for an international drivers permit at your local traffic office in advance if you want to rent a scooter (the costs should be around US$ 20.00-60.00 for an international driver permit, depending on your home country).

Sunscreen

The sun is strong! You will need to protect your skin and take care of after-sun products and lotions. Especially while surfing, you should protect your face.

Boardshorts and Lycra

Don't forget, we are a surf company! Not getting in the water isn’t an option. Swimwear is strongly encouraged (yes, that means more than one pair), and a surf shirt (like a Lycra or rash guard) is a smart move to keep your skin safe from the sun.

What about my accommodation?

We’ll help organize your accommodation and cover the cost up to a certain limit. We'll rent a place in agreement with you, so it’s something you’re happy with. If the total cost goes over the covered amount, you’ll just need to pay the difference each month.

What do I have to bring for my accommodation?

You’ll just need to bring your own personal items like clothes and toiletries. It’s a good idea to bring a beach towel and a shower towel, but you can also grab them at the local market. You might need to get your own bedsheets and dishes, but don’t worry, those are easy to find in Thailand, and past interns often leave things behind for the next group.

Do I need to bring my own laptop?

If you have a laptop, definitely bring it with you! If you don't let us know beforehand and we'll find a solution. 

Is there a dress code for work?

There is no dress code. Outside it is always warm, but in the office we have air-condition so it is comfortably cool and depending on your place in the office, you might bring something to cover your arms (it can get quite a little chilly).

Do I need an adapter for charging my phone or laptop?

The electricity in Thailand is 220 volts. 50 cycles/sec. They accommodate both flat prongs (like in the U.S. and Japan) and round prongs (like much of Europe and Asia). So German devices won't need an adapter, for example.

Is it better to bring money from home (Baht)?

You can withdraw money in Thailand from ATMs, but make sure your debit card is activated for international use. If you have trouble withdrawing, don’t enter an amount right away — select “withdraw,” then choose “savings” when asked to pick an account type. That usually fixes the issue.

That said, the best option is to bring cash in your home currency (e.g. Euros, Dollars etc.) and exchange it in Thailand. ATMs charge a 220 Baht (US$ 6.00) fee per withdrawal and often offer a poor exchange rate. Local exchange offices usually give you a much better rate.

What kind of medicine should I bring with me?

Be sure to bring any medications you regularly use, like something for headaches or allergies. You can buy some medicines here, but the dosages might be different. It’s also a good idea to pack something for your stomach in case you’re not used to Thai food, and don’t forget a cooling gel or cream for mosquito bites.

Where can I wash my clothes?

There are many laundry services around. For a full basket with mixed clothes, it will cost around 100 Baht (US$3.00). Better don't bring designer clothes, or if so, it's best to hand wash them ;)

How is the weather?

Thailand is warm all year, with temperatures around 30°C.

From May to November, it’s the rainy season, with high humidity, cloudy skies, and quick, heavy showers nearly every day, but there’s still no shortage of sunshine. The rainy season is also when southern Thailand experiences the biggest swells. From November to April, the dry season brings clear skies, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall.

What language do we use?

You’ll be living in a tourist area, so English will get you through daily life, especially in restaurants, shops, and similar places. At the factory, English is our main working language. If you want to connect more with locals, learning a few basic Thai phrases will definitely help!

2025

Addison Witkowski | April - July 2025 (Public Relations / Marketing)

Cristina Struk | February - June 2025 (Marketing)

Mailin Wimmel | January - March 2025 (Marketing Support)

2024

Kael Nicou | August - November 2024 (Photography / Video)

Timmy Nöhrer | July - October 2024 (Marketing)

Hanna Scheers | February - June 2024 (Manufacturing)

2023

Anna Haug | September - January 2023/24 (Manufacturing)

Punn Noppawan | June - August 2023 (Marketing)

Idriss Nemouchi | May - July 2023 (Manufacturing)

2022

Michel Pramann | October - February 2022/23 (Manufacturing)

Michelle Marker |  October - February 2022/23 (Branding / Creative Design)

Yatima Rodsuwan | June - August 2022 (Manufacturing)

Esther Boisson | June - August 2022 (Marketing)

Kanokon Sornnoei | December 2021 - April 2022 (Marketing)

Krittaporn Pituckumpol | December 2021 - April 2022 (Marketing)

2021

Palaloid Suksanong | September - December 2021 (Marketing / Creative Design)

Vhaikee Hufanda | September - December 2021 (Marketing / Creative Design)

Ann Siriwatpattra | June - September 2021 (Manufacturing)

Jui Sunlakawit | June - September 2021 (Manufacturing)

Muai Chantavorn | June - September 2021 (Manufacturing)

Jean Letourneur | May - July 2021 (Materials / Process Support) 

Ansgar Göppert | April - December 2021 (Process Flow / Wood Technology)

2020

Tobias Menk | February - August 2020 (LEAN / Manufacturing)

Marco Kornke | February - July ( Design / Film / Photo)

Tobias Merkle | March - July (Social Media / Marketing / Audio Video)

Elina Miller | October - March 2019/20 (Design / Social Media / Marketing) 

Naomi Rupprecht | March - April 2020 (Design / Manufacturing)

Anna M. | February - August 2020 (Design / Graphic)

2019

Niklas Bormann | October - February 2019/20 (Manufacturing)

Ewald Klaus | October - February 2019/20 (IT)

Julian Eisenberger | August - January 2019/20 (LEAN / Manufacturing)

Katharina Schimps | July - September 2019 (Graphic Design / Social Media / Marketing)

Marie Annika Hoffmann | June - December 2019 (Design / Film / Photo) 

Jasmine Fou | June - July 2019 (Design / Social Media / Marketing) 

Denise Janson | May - August 2019 (Design / Social Media / Marketing) 

Rouven Leon Leskow | March - August 2019 (LEAN / Manufacturing) 

2018

Tom Blaszuweit | October - December 2018 (Design / Manufacturing)

Alex Scaria | September - December 2018 (Social Media)

Tim Raudies | April- August 2018 (Process Management, Data, Marketing)

Caro Ossig | February - March 2018 (Internship Setup)