Thai Plum Village

Thai Plum Village International Practice Center is the Thai branch of the Plum Village community founded by Thich Nhat Hanh. It stands in Pak Chong District in Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 240 km north-east of Bangkok and a 3.5 to 4 hour journey from the city centre. The centre’s own site gives 1 March 2013 as its founding by Thich Nhat Hanh; Plum Village’s page says the community began in 2008 and moved to this campus in 2013. The centre holds over 20 retreats a year, and its larger retreats draw more than 500 people.

The practice is that of the Plum Village tradition: sitting and walking meditation, chanting, recitation of the mindfulness trainings, Dharma talks, sharing in small groups, singing meditation and silent meals. The community lives as monastic brothers and sisters alongside lay visitors. Plum Village’s own page calls it the community’s largest hub in Asia, and says the community also leads regular Days of Mindfulness in downtown Bangkok.

For a foreign visitor, this is one of the more accessible places in Thailand to practise in English. The centre’s visitor guide lists Thai, Vietnamese and English as its working languages and says translation systems are provided. Retreats and days of mindfulness are announced on the website. Visitors register online at least two weeks ahead and must have a confirmation email before arriving.

Accommodation is in shared rooms, with men and women in separate guest houses, and all food is vegetarian. There is no air conditioning, and no internet connection is provided. White clothing is not required, but modest dress is. The centre is a non-profit sustained by donations, and each Sunday is a no-car day. Because rules and schedules change, the visitor guide and the retreat announcements are the authority on current terms.