Thamkrabok Monastery is a unique institution run by a unique order of Buddhist monks and nuns.  You will not find anything like it elsewhere in Thailand or the rest of the world. However, you must be aware and understand that the Thamkrabok Monastery does not offer miracle cures.

Ultimately, your long-term recovery following the Thamkrabok detox treatment is based on 2 things:

• Your 'belief’: - that is your belief in your vow - your Sajja - if you cannot believe in Sajja then you are just going to be doing cold turkey in a hot climate.  Can you believe in Sajja?
• Your ‘commitment’: - that is your willingness and determination to commit to a ‘new’ life.  Are you ready for a new life?

You must be aware:

• Thailand has 2 seasons: hot and hotter!
• The climate of central Thailand is often very humid and uncomfortable.

Thamkrabok Monastery is not a western-style detox centre; neither is Thamkrabok Monastery a holiday resort.  The conditions there are very basic even by local Thai standards.

• You must respect the monks and nuns; and do as you are told.
• You must ‘sweep leaves’ and do other chores.
• The ‘wake-up’ bell rings at 5 am.
• There are no single-rooms.
• You must sleep in a dormitory with many other addicts.
• There is no air-conditioning.
• There is no hot-water.

Despite prior warnings many addicts are shocked and complain about the very basic conditions in the treatment compound - 'The Hey' - at Thamkrabok Monastery. Some addicts use the conditions here as an excuse to leave Thamkrabok before completing treatment. If you leave early you will be breaking your first commitment to a ‘new’ life. How long will it be before you break your Sajja?

Thailand has many temptations and dangers for addicts and alcoholics. If you do not really want to stop taking drugs and/or alcohol then please do not waste your time and money; please do not travel to Thailand; please do not put your self in danger.

Support for foreign addicts

The population of monks, nuns and lay volunteers at Thamkrabok Monetary is just like life; it is transient and ever-changing.  As a result of this, the support available to foreign addicts, both spiritual and psychological, can sometimes be very good; but also sometimes it can be not so good and even quite minimal.  You should consider this factor when making your decision to take treatment at Thamkrabok.  You may wish to be accompanied to Thailand by a suitable ‘buddy’ or employ the services of one of the agencies listed below. If you want to know the current situation in ‘The Hey’, you can ask questions of former addicts and recent visitors at the ‘Friends of Thamkrabok Monastery’ online support forum.

Private organisations 

Sometimes it is not possible or in deed desirable for individuals to travel alone and unprepared to Thailand. There are a number of private organisations, which are independent from the Monastery, that  can facilitate treatment at Thamkrabok. These independent organisations provide varying levels of service and support to addicts, usually at a cost. Some organisations will provide basic unescorted travel arrangements to the Monastery while others will provide a fully escorted detoxification trip to Thailand including before and after services and support.  

Thamkrabok Monastery cannot enter into disputes between individuals and their chosen independent service organisation.

Thamkrabok Monastery

Alba-Thai Organisation

TARA Detox

Thamkrabok Foundation INC

All addicts attending Thamkrabok for treatment must agree to and comply with the Thamkrabok Monastery Rules as set out on this website.

Quick Reference Table:

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The detox programme that is offered freely by the Thamkrabok Monastery is truly exceptional for those addicts and alcoholics who are ready and willing to change.

You can ask questions of former addicts who have been through the Thamkrabok experience at the ‘Friends of Thamkrabok Monastery’ online support forum.

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