
Experienced By Cristina Struk
From the Surf to the Office: Falling in Love with Khao Lak Spending my marketing internship in Khao Lak has been one of the most enriching chapters of my life....
Our interns don’t fetch coffee. You’ll be diving deep into the real stuff - from marketing campaigns and content creation, to production workflows and digital systems, to the lifestyle that makes all of it worth it. You’ll learn, contribute, and ride the line between structured chaos and pure stoke.
We don’t aim to be massive. We aim to be legendary. If you’re into hands-on experience, salty hair, and building things that matter, you might’ve just found your people.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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
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.
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)