do I really need a work permit to do volunteer work in Thailand??

Did you get vaccinations for japanese enceph, rabies etc before arriving in Thailand... either for paid or volunteer work??

any other help/info about volunteering appreciated!

Yes you need a work permit for volentary work, charity work even if unpaid.

As for vaccinations... Upto you!

I have lived in Thailand for years and I don't use vaccinations. If I were to spend alot of time in the hills I might take something to prevent malaria....I use doxycycline and suggest you see a physician....maybe at a travel clinic if your local public health has such a clinic....and ask her about what to use. Be aware that the injection(s) for japanese encephalitis can cause SEVERE mood disruption temporarily so I would get one well in advance (several days to a week....ask the physician) of my flight date. I had a reaction long ago when I got this one and called up the clinic in a mild rage and started whining to the nurse there who immediately asked me if I'd had the japanese encephalitis vaccination and when I said yes she just told me to relax and that's why I was being so emotionally reacted to my situation and soon I would feel better......she was right....a really strange experience!!!!