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It has been said that the Thamkrabok Monastery in Thailand runs “the toughest drug rehabilitation regime in the world”.
Addicts can only be admitted at Thamkrabok for treatment ONCE.
If you break your Sajja (vow) you CANNOT undergo a second treatment.
You should not go to Thamkrabok until you are certain that you truly wish to be free from your addiction(s) and you are 100 per cent committed to being drug/alcohol free.
Before you travel to Thailand you must ask yourself 2 questions: -
(1) Do I want to travel to Thamkrabok voluntarily, completely of my own choice?
(2) Do I really want to stop using drugs/alcohol?
If you cannot honestly say ”YES” without hesitation to both questions, then it is better that you wait until you are serious about getting well. As one monk famously said “We want only warriors… victims need not apply”.
The Thamkrabok programme is based on SAJJA (a sacred vow) not to use intoxicating substances. SAJJA is a sacred act that, if you believe in it, will connect you with your will power and with something "beyond". SAJJA is there for everybody; it is not limited to any specific religion or belief system. The SAJJA is supported by Thamkrabok’s unique herbal medicine that facilitates a very real and very rapid detoxification. You must have a strong belief in YOUR Sajja. This is of the utmost importance.
According to Luangpor Charoen, (the Abbot of Thamkrabok Monastery), the physical detoxification is only 5% of the Thamkrabok treatment.
“You must do the remaining 95% of the work in your mind and through your actions.”
If you are certain that Thamkrabok offers the right treatment for you there are 2 options available: -
(1) Make your own way
It is possible to make your own arrangements to travel to Thailand.
You must let the monastery know, in advance, when you will be arriving by email to info@thamkrabok-monastery.org then follow the directions to Thamkrabok. (Print the picture page to show that you are going to Thamkrabok Monastery)
Thamkrabok Monastery gives it’s services FREE.
There is no cost for treatment but you must pay for your food, drink, cigarettes, candy, toiletries etc. ‘Real money’ is not allowed in the treatment compound so you must exchange your cash for ‘Thamkrabok money’. Non-Thai addicts must deposit the equivalent of Thai Baht 200 per day at the Admissions Office before treatment. Each day of your stay you will be given back the equivalent of Thai Baht 200 in ‘Thamkrabok money’. These coupons can only be spent inside the treatment compound. This is quite enough ‘money’ to buy your food and drink etc each day of your stay.
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The Monastery will not ask for a donation at any time but you may give whatever you wish at the end of your treatment.
It is recommended that you stay for a minimum of 10 days. The longer you can stay the better (up to a maximum of 28 days).
Also see Important Information For Addicts and suggested packing list for addicts.
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.
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:
Area Agency Contact E-mail Telephone Thailand M.S. Rambhai info@thamkrabok-monastery.org +66 36 266 292 Scotland Stuart Brindley info@alba-thai.org +44 (0) 1382 200532 England Vince Cullen info@tara-detox.org +44 (0) 1635 552 665 England Mike Sarson info@east-westdetox.org.uk +44 (0) 118 962 3332 Australia Maria Bannister info@thamkrabok.org.au +61 4 0513 7863
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