As is widely known, Thailand is a thrill seekers paradise. It is full to the brim of pleasure hungry tourists seeking their next adventure, whether it is a grueling trek across the mountains of Chang Mai, or a one week non-stop bar crawl in Silom Road.
The low cost of intoxication have encouraged tourists to take advantage of the quantity and quality of booze usually inaccessible back home.
The wonderful world of Thailand is highly paradoxical, with its inviting and innocent paradise beaches by day… that envelope into raucous parties by night.
The two faced element is further characterized by their people, ranging from the ‘crazy’ lady boy party goers, to the humble and peaceful Buddhist Monks.
The sheer beauty of Thailand is that despite the huge influx of foreigners who come to visit, the natural beauty, heritage and culture of the country still remains in full force.
The Monks play an important role in Thailand and fully express the country’s somewhat bohemian, positive and relaxed attitudes. They also express the majority of the country’s devotion to Buddhism, explaining the welcoming and open nature of the Thai people.
Upon further research into Thai monks and their origins, I came upon an interesting discovery: The Thramkrabok Monastery. Although I was previously well aware that many such monasteries exist to enhance and encourage the teachings of Buddhism, I was unaware that monasteries like these existed; the Thramkrabok monastery is a ‘Drug detoxification’ centre.
(These centers are different to the western rehabilitation centers, as is starkly broadcasted upon entering the website, indicating that the program is definitely not for the faint hearted.)
The name of the ‘Thramkrabok Monastery’ can be translated into English as ‘Cave of the Teaching’. The monastery is located just 130 KM North of Bangkok, giving easy access to many brave and determined tourists, ready to embark upon a brand new and ‘fresh’ journey.
Upon further research into the detoxification program, the religious path becomes more and more daunting even with the first few descriptions of what it means to ‘rid’ oneself from drugs.
It is firstly, a procedure to rid poisons from the persons body, and secondly, to ‘withdraw one’s soul from the ghetto of darkness.’ What they provide is 5% of physical detoxification and state that the client must do the remaining 95% himself.
Although I was at first skeptical towards the effectiveness of this particular regime, I was contacted during my research by a friend who told me that he had effectively completed the course and had managed to stop smoking and drinking completely.
This revelation had me interested and I decided to take a trip to the monastery myself.
Upon entering, I felt that I had instantly left behind all the pressures of being back home, and suddenly started to forget my problems, commitments and responsibilities in the startlingly enchanting environment.
The Monks were polite but firm, indicating that their business was a highly serious matter, and that they were determined to achieve results.
I later found out that they have an incredible support system; available to those who needed help when going back home where the environment would not match that of where they were able to rid themselves of their ‘poisons.’
Their fees are also almost shocking, as the treatment and accommodation was complimentary and you only needed to pay 200 Baht per day for food and water.
I had never before come across such an effective and welcoming detoxification centre with unmatchable low fees.
That is why after much thought and research, I fully recommend this retreat to everyone, whether you need to detox, or whether you merely need to escape the chaos of modern day life, Thramkabok Monastery, ‘The Cave of the Teaching’ will always have its doors open to you.
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