Understand

Buddhism was introduced into Thailand from Sri Lanka, and currently nearly 95% of the population is Buddhist. Theravada is the predominent school, though beliefs are often mixed with folk religions. Mahayana Buddhism is also practiced in Thailand, though it is mostly confined to Thais of Chinese ancestry.

Since the 60s, many foreigners have trained at monasteries in Thailand, and while most have only stayed for a short time, many have also taken monastic ordination. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see ''farang'' monks at monasteries, especially those located in rural areas. Two famous Thai monks who have enjoyed influence overseas are Ajahn Chah and Buddhadasa.

Thais are pretty flexible by nature and so readily make allowances for foreigners who are not familiar with their customs. However, there are a few rules that should be observed when visiting a monastery:

  • Never sit with the soles of your feet facing a Buddha image or a Buddhist monk. The feet are considered dirty, and so it is considered disrespectful to sit with them facing an object of respect.
  • Women should never touch a Buddhist monk. If a female wishes to make an offering to a monk, she should place it on a table and allow the monk to retrieve from there.
  • Do not climb on sacred objects.
  • Do not take photographs of meditating monks as this obviously disturbs their practice.
  • Below is a list of monasteries that offer meditation courses for non-Thai speakers. NB: This list serves only as a 'pointer,' and more detailed information is available on the city or province article where the temple is located.

    Prepare

    Temples that offer multi-day meditation courses

  • '''Wat Chom Tong''', Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Tong (about 60 km south-west of the Chiang Mai)
  • '''Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep''', Chiang Mai [http://www.doisuthep.com/english.html]
  • '''Wat Ram Poeng''', Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Muang (4 miles south-west of the Chiang Mai) [http://www.dhammathai.org/e/meditation/page24.php]
  • '''Wat Pah Nanachat (WPN) The International Forest Monastery''', Ban Bung Wai, Amper Warin (12 kms from Ubon Ratchathani). [http://www.watpahnanachat.org/].
  • '''Suan Mokkh''', Ampoe Chaiya, Surat Thani Province (50km north of Surat Thani) [http://www.suanmokkh.org/]
  • Temples that offer non-residential meditation courses

  • '''Wat Umong''', Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Muang (3 and a half miles from Chiang Mai) , [http://www.dhammathai.org/e/meditation/page23.php].
  • '''Wat Suan Dok''', Th Suthep, Chiang Mai (1/2 a mile west of the Old City Moat)
  • '''The International Buddhist Meditation Centre''', Bangkok [http://www.mcu.ac.th/IBMC/index.html]
  • '''The World Fellowship of Buddhists''', Bangkok. [http://www.wfb-hq.org]