Reasons NOT to go to Wat Thamkrabok

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Warning : There are NO miracle cures

Thailand can be a very dangerous place for addicts of any kind.  It is generally accepted that when Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Boyfriends, Girlfriends, or anyone other than the addict make arrangements for their treatment at Wat Thamkrabok then there is a far greater risk of early departure from treatment and/or subsequent relapse; including the obvious chance of overdose and death.

“No one can do it for you, you must do it for yourself.”

Luangpor Charoen Parnchand – 2nd Abbot of Wat Thamkrabok

Wat Thamkrabok 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 Wat Thamkrabok does not offer miracle cures.

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

  • Your ‘trust’: – that is your trust and confidence in your vow – your Sajja – if you cannot trust in Sajja then you are just going to be doing cold turkey in a hot climate.  There are bright consequences for keeping your Sajja and dark consequences for not keeping your Sajja. Can you trust Sajja?
  • Your ‘commitment’: – that is your willingness and determination to commit to a ‘new’ life.  What is your Heart’s desire? To move away from misery; to move towards the end of misery – without causing yet more unnecessary suffering.  Are you ready for Wat Thamkrabok?

You should 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 yourself in danger.

Success Rates

A lot has been written in newspapers and magazines saying that the WAT THAMKRABOK claims 65 per cent success rate, or 70 per cent, or even 80 per cent!

Wat Thamkrabok does not claim any such “success rates”.

The Thamkrabok Temple does not offer miracle cures. You should be extremely cautious of any individuals or organisations that make such claims about the monastery.   If you are in any doubt then please contact the monastery directly – for details see www.wat-thamkrabok.org

What can be said, without any doubt, is that ALL ex-addicts who keep their SAJJA – with honesty and integrity – remain 100 per cent drug free.

Support for foreign addicts

The population of monks, nuns and lay volunteers at Thamkrabok Temple 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’.  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.

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The detox programme that is offered freely by Wat Thamkrabok 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.

Related Page:  Reasons to go to Wat Thamkrabok

Related Page:  Detoxification at Wat Thamkrabok

Related Page:  General Information about Wat Thamkrabok

Related Page:  Sajja: A Practice for Transformation (Online talk and meditation with Q&A)

Related Page: The Way of the Vow: Sajja

>>>  Alternative view of  Sajja – Truth of Addiction & Commitment to Recovery

Related Page:  Directions to Wat Thamkrabok

Related Page:  Suggested Packing List for Wat Thamkrabok

Related Page:  Thamkrabok in Videos

Related Page:  After Detox – New Life Foundation

Related Page:  Wat Thamkrabok Tudong

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The official Monastery website is at:  Wat-Thamkrabok.org

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Clean Body With Herbs… Clean Mind With Sajja