Answered2 years ago
Can foreigners legally volunteer at a wat (temple) in Thailand?
What about volunteering in Thailand?
i have a wat i work with. they have helped me greatly and when i go there in person this year, i’m planning to offer to help them with anything they may need a hand with.
is it really true you can’t help monks and practice merit as a farang? it’s against the law?
how does this on any way protect thai workers and how is this even appropriate? i thought wats and monks were given some special preference. how can they deprive them of farang helping them out around the wat?
Seems kinda un-Buddhist
Edit: i’m kind of bummed out how this thread is going. Nobody knows what they’re talking about first of all, second, people aren’t even reading what I wrote or getting the right idea of what happened. I’m talking to my teacher who is ordained at the temple, I’m trying to go help out at. They thought it was a great idea to help out, and give some merit that way as well as the money I already give. So drop all these weird posts please with all the bizarre assumptions
i have a wat i work with. they have helped me greatly and when i go there in person this year, i’m planning to offer to help them with anything they may need a hand with.
is it really true you can’t help monks and practice merit as a farang? it’s against the law?
how does this on any way protect thai workers and how is this even appropriate? i thought wats and monks were given some special preference. how can they deprive them of farang helping them out around the wat?
Seems kinda un-Buddhist
Edit: i’m kind of bummed out how this thread is going. Nobody knows what they’re talking about first of all, second, people aren’t even reading what I wrote or getting the right idea of what happened. I’m talking to my teacher who is ordained at the temple, I’m trying to go help out at. They thought it was a great idea to help out, and give some merit that way as well as the money I already give. So drop all these weird posts please with all the bizarre assumptions
Answer summary
Foreigners can engage in certain volunteer tasks at temples in Thailand, but it's important to note that any work requires a valid visa and work permit. While many participants in temple activities do help with chores—such as cleaning or maintenance—without formal permission, it remains a legal gray area. While helping out might not draw significant attention, participating in regular volunteer work could be seen as infringing on local employment laws, so it's advisable to approach the abbot or temple authorities for permission. Overall, informal contributions to the temple, especially if arranged with local monks, are generally welcomed, though depictions of legality can vary and confusion is common.
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Carey *********
Look man, you have got to experience it first hand. That means a few trips to visit, explore and decide. Sure you can talk to people and get some ideas but it will be nothing like you have ever experienced before in real life. You will either love it or hate it, its a total lifestyle change. I have lived in or visited over 23 country's. Thailand still blows my mind and that's why I love it so. But we all have opinions, talk with experts on subject matter, you will thank me later.
Greg **********
New to Facebook? This is typically what you get in response. A few helpful people who also know what they’re talking about, even more people who want you to think they know what they’re talking about, but actually have little idea, and then a s%!t ton of people who are just here for the fun of it.
I would think asking the people at the wat you work with would be a better starting point than a Facebook thread.
Then again, you’re starting this thread talking about bizarre assumptions and here you are talking about un-Buddhist behavior and making your own assumptions that you somehow know better than them what is good for their country.
Karma?
I would think asking the people at the wat you work with would be a better starting point than a Facebook thread.
Then again, you’re starting this thread talking about bizarre assumptions and here you are talking about un-Buddhist behavior and making your own assumptions that you somehow know better than them what is good for their country.
Karma?
Jay *****
Best and most accurate answer is from immigration. You can't get a correct answer from FB.
Derek *******
OPJay Jay I think this might be the best answer I got. Ha ha. Definitely can’t get a legitimate answer on here
David **********
Just go and help quietly, no one will.know or care. I do the same. There's no law against helping your friends.
Marc *******
You can do it but it would be strange for them. Better to give Money to boost your High Status. If you just clean but no worship you will loose respect. You can join groups to clean, but I wouldn't do it alone.
I cleaned some Temples with luksits a couple of times when I waited.
But like I said, if you not a Luksit it would be strange for them.
I cleaned some Temples with luksits a couple of times when I waited.
But like I said, if you not a Luksit it would be strange for them.
Derek *******
OPMarc Thode how is it strange for them? In talking with the monks, they thought it was a good thing that I was doing merit that way i already give money. also, we don’t worship anything in Buddhism. What are you talking about? There’s no worship
Marc *******
@Derek ******
As I said, do like you want. I put my 2 cents in allready.Marc *******
@Derek ******
Ok, do like you want.😁🙏👍Derek *******
OPMarc Thode it’s not what I want. In talking with my teacher, who is ordained and teaching at the wat I am looking at helping out at, which I already give money to every month, which I already attend classes at, I determined the wat can never have enough help keeping everything in order with the building. So I offered to help. I don’t know why this is so complicated for everyone.
Geoffrey **********
Some poor Thai people go to temple, to clean. They are given a delicious meal. Hopefully, if you volunteer, there would still be work for Thai.
Derek *******
OPGeoffrey Geoffrey well, I won’t be very hungry so I doubt I’ll be eating the temple food on them. i’m a tourist. I’m a household practitioner. I will be going out to eat around around town and Chaing Mai
Terary **********
"how can they deprive them of farang helping them out around the wat?"
The monks were getting by without farangs long before you were around and likely long after you are gone.
Technically "no". If you're going to spend a couple of days there then its no big deal. It becomes a big deal when you take jobs from Thais.
Once you've become accustom to the Thai ways, it will make sense or at least you'll learn to accept that it doesn't make sense (there some buddha for you).
The monks were getting by without farangs long before you were around and likely long after you are gone.
Technically "no". If you're going to spend a couple of days there then its no big deal. It becomes a big deal when you take jobs from Thais.
Once you've become accustom to the Thai ways, it will make sense or at least you'll learn to accept that it doesn't make sense (there some buddha for you).
Derek *******
OP@Terary *********
you know that’s not what I meant.
Brook ********
What does the stamp on your passport say?
Derek *******
OP@Brook *******
nothing yet. didn’t arrive for this stay yet. 60 day and can extend 90 though
James *********
Are Thais allowed to work in other Countries without permits/permition?
Dave ********
@James ********
No but they do.Ken ***********
@James ********
if they are on a tourist visa or education Visa, they can volunteer their work without consequence, not the same as expats in Thailand.
Barry ************
Last year I helped Thai lady most mornings to put up umbrella on beach just for a bit of exercise I had her husband permission he used to just sit & watch ,was I breaking law
Dan *********
This is silly lol
You can help a temple sweep if you want lol how on earth did you think it’s somehow illegal lol. But don’t think you are getting visa just for helping a temple sweep or pick up cans 😂
You can help a temple sweep if you want lol how on earth did you think it’s somehow illegal lol. But don’t think you are getting visa just for helping a temple sweep or pick up cans 😂
Derek *******
OPDan Vincent also, I don’t need a sweeping visa. ha ha I have visa upon arrival 60 days and then 30 extension
Derek *******
OP@Dan ********
because like 90% of the people on here are telling me I’m going to get deported and arrested for sweeping up some dust around wat. that’s how. the internet
Jo **********
Lee **********
Here's a link to said visa
************************************
Lee **********
By 'legitimate visa' Anita Ingram is referring to a Non O visa (volunteering) this would mean you'd have 90 days to find something. I'm couldn't tell you anything about the extension of such visa as I'm not aware of anyone holding it.
Jim ************
You haven't said what type of visa you will be on when in Thailand, but I'll assume it'll be standard tourist ( or visa exempt ) . The key is understanding Thai culture and especially that concerning Buddhist religion, and volunteering/caring.
Technically almost anything you do that a Thai could do might breach the 'no work' rule - but if you aren't earning money, or doing something that a Thai might earn money for, then it becomes a greyer area . You would need to have the head monk give you the OK, you would need to be humble and non-ostentatious in your helping, and crucially, you would need to not upset or cause to lose face any of the locals, including Sangha members. Demonstrate your sincerity with a peaceful smile, behave yourself, and you should be fine. Maybe clear it with the abbot that if there is a complaint he will back you up at least to extent that you will just be warned to stop ( because of terrible misunderstanding ) if immigration get involved.
Put your compassion into practice fully and you'll be fine. The law is basically there to protect against harm-doers.
Technically almost anything you do that a Thai could do might breach the 'no work' rule - but if you aren't earning money, or doing something that a Thai might earn money for, then it becomes a greyer area . You would need to have the head monk give you the OK, you would need to be humble and non-ostentatious in your helping, and crucially, you would need to not upset or cause to lose face any of the locals, including Sangha members. Demonstrate your sincerity with a peaceful smile, behave yourself, and you should be fine. Maybe clear it with the abbot that if there is a complaint he will back you up at least to extent that you will just be warned to stop ( because of terrible misunderstanding ) if immigration get involved.
Put your compassion into practice fully and you'll be fine. The law is basically there to protect against harm-doers.
Derek *******
OP@Jim ***********
that makes so much more sense. There are many laws like that in the west as well. They are there, but they are not enforced until there is a problem. So it is similar to that? And I am actually talking to the monk/teacher about helping out and he was like, yeah that sounds really nice of you, we could use some helpJim ************
@Derek ******
Yes, just like in most countries police have a reasonable amount of discretion about enforcement on many issues. But when/if they get complaints they usually have to act... So avoid having people complain is key, and then having respectable backers if something happens is your insurance...
Martin *******
Look out for " concerned citizens" aka Grass
Derek *******
OP@Martin ******
OK, that I don’t know about. What’s that?
Greg *********
Can you move to Italy and volunteer at the Vatican? Move to the USA and volunteer at a Baptist church?
Derek *******
OP@Greg ********
yes, you can.Greg *********
@Derek ******
Without a visa? Really??
Steven *******
@Greg ********
Yes
Anita ********
Good to know. First get a legitimate visa. Get to know Thailand and slowly find out what’s acceptable beyond that.
Derek *******
OP@Anita *******
i’m not new to ThailandAnita ********
@Derek ******
you’re welcome.
Angie *****
Jo Clemente, thanks for sharing this bit of info, it's useful for me in the long run.!
Brian *****************
Volunteer Money 🙏👌🏻
Derek *******
OP@Brian ****************
I already do that every month. This is while I am there in person going to the classes. my ordained teacher who teaches at the wat thought it was a good idea
Tim *********
You can make merit. You can't usually volunteer for any work a Thai could do. Too many businesses would take advantage, use free foreign labour instead of paying Thais
Lee **********
There aren't many volunteering opportunities in Thailand unfortunately. Volunteering here is a natural part of Thai culture. Helping each other is something done without question and doesn't employ organisations to manage it. The only opportunities I can suggest are on islands like Koh Samui who have a large expat population. They do beach clearing and recycling of waste washed up on the beach. Go there and maybe enquire about any other opportunities. Tbh I don't know if this still exists as it was something started by local expats and not 'registered' as such. If you volunteering need is for the purpose of a volunteer visa (although there is such a thing) it is still early in development with little to no opportunities to 'legally' possess it. Good luck
Derek *******
OP@Lee *********
exactly. It’s a natural part of Thai culture. Helping out at the wat is normal. I just wanted to participate in that. I already send money to help. There are things like sweeping up, painting a wall, various things that need to be done to keep it functional, so people can learn the teachings. It’s very hard to imagine getting in trouble for helping out at the watLee **********
@Derek ******
yes. Although it's not a case of getting in trouble but the fact that there's no one to manage and organise it. If you wrote down your requests in Thai and visited some local temples you may find a way but I really doubt it. The language barrier alone plus that it would mean people/monks would have to take time out of what they do to direct you. The best thing to do would be to go to the temple and ask them where the sweeping brush is and begin. Tell them you'd like to play 'Monk golf' with a 😊They'll understand that. 😉Apart from temples the only other DIY volunteering opportunities would be to help soi dogs or find a local soi dog rescue. There's a big one in Koh Samui (Google soi dogs Koh Samui) There aren't many more opportunities here. Again, good luck and let us know how it goes. I live in rural Isaan and run an English Camp/Gaming Club. I'm on a low budget but I try to give the local kids a chance to have fun learning English and get to do things they probably can't afford to do (gaming, camping and making western food) If you ever find yourself in rural Khon Kaen I wouldn't say no to some help 😊
Galenus ******
Ask the government
Derek *******
OPGalenus Gold good point. I may ask at the Thai embassy before i leave
Galenus ******
Xjwhudkwhry ********
You should never put 'Thailand' and 'appropriate' or 'logical'/'meaningful'/'sensible'/etc in one sentence...best way to think about it is to imagine you're in a jungle and there are clans of monkeys, and you're another, strange white monkey. Would they let you pick the bananas from their trees, even if you were doing it for their children, or would they attack you automatically and chase you out from their territory? It depends of course, some are more socially developed than others, sometimes they're even capable of accepting white monkeys, even put them on display to show others, but you will NEVER be truly one of them, so why even bother?
Matt ******
@Xjwhudkwhry *******
why would you want to be "one of them".. I am so sick of white people complaining that they'll never be one of them. They'll never be one of us either
Kelly **********
@Matt *****
Oh, yikes.Matt ******
@Kelly *********
Nothing yikes about this, its reality.. I can never be Japanese, I can never be British.. I accept that and won't try and change itDerek *******
OP@Xjwhudkwhry *******
ha ha ha ha ha! this might be the best thing I have seen on the Internet in a long time
Paul *********
Search volunteering Thailand, there are groups that organise. Thai laws are difficult.
William **************
It's a Grey area...you can till there is a complaint about it then it is a violation of your visa. Do you want to chance your visa over helping out at a wat. Crazy yes but it is Thai law.
Radost **************************
William **************
@Radost *************************
i removed that part of my comment as I could not find it in regards to news. So really it was hearsay so your correct sir.
Brandon ************
In Thailand, ANY work requires both a non-immigrant visa that allows work as well as a work permit. They consider it "taking work from a Thai person" even if it's not for pay. If a Thai person can do it, then a Thai person should be doing it is how they see it.
Nigel *********
@Brandon ***********
isn't there a type R on Non O-R that would fit the bill.Brandon ************
@Nigel ********
I've never heard of anyone actually get a religious visaNigel *********
@Brandon ***********
Yes. People get them. Not that common
Charles ********
Yes you can volunteer on any visa type. You can't work a volunteer job that would replace an actual job without a permit. There's a big difference.
If you want to go planet a tree or pickup trash with some group for the day, that's fine. You just can't have a full time regular role without permit.
Regarding making merit.... of course you can. If you would like, you can become a monk for a short while and, no that doesn't require a work permit either.
If you want to go planet a tree or pickup trash with some group for the day, that's fine. You just can't have a full time regular role without permit.
Regarding making merit.... of course you can. If you would like, you can become a monk for a short while and, no that doesn't require a work permit either.
Sasi ************
No, it’s not true that you can’t help out around wat. Matter of fact a foreigner can become a monk and there are quite a few of them. พระอาจารย์ฌอน, หลองพ่อมาร์ติน หลวงพ่อโรเบริ์ต and พระอุบลภาวนาอุเทศ that’s become พระอุปัชฌาย์ which many Thai monks were not reached such status.
Derek *******
OPChris Dee so, I’m not at that level in my practice. But I have been working closely with a temple in Chiang Mai for the 3 three years. I went to Thailand on a tourist visa a few years ago. That started things. I have been studying with them online regularly and diligently for years now. Trying to go within the next few months and study there in person at their meetings. As you know, it’s important to give Merrit. I already give financially, I figured while I am there I can sweep things, paint things, do whatever it is to help the wat itself. Stay in good shape. were people doing this where you studied and then became ordained?
Derek *******
OP@Sasi ***********
if it’s OK to send a private message, I will send you the temple info there. Please let me know if it’s OK firstDerek *******
OP@Sasi ***********
I can tell you which one in a private message. It’s not a meditation center. It’s a center just for studying. There is always a meditation in each class, but it’s not focused on meditation. It’s focused on learningSasi ************
@Derek ******
วัดร่ำเปิง ? It’s a big meditation center that many foreigners have visited.Derek *******
OP@Chris ****
thank you very much for the thoughtful response and relaying your experience and information. Very helpful. I guess I will just see how it goes. This temple is right in the middle of Chiang Mai so it’s definitely not in a rural area. if it’s not possible, it’s not possible. I don’t have to do the merit. But I thought it might be nice to give back to the place that gave so much to me. If Thailand doesn’t allow me to do that, so be itChris *****
@Derek ******
that I cannot say. Not while I was there no. The white robes that came near the end of my stay were all local Thais. I was the only foreigner. I was with only four other monks living there full time at that time. One additional nomadic monk joined us after I was there a month. Also, this was a long time ago. But as the other commenter noted, nobody is going to bother you for helping out at a temple. While technically not “legal” , it’s not going to be used against you. You might try asking the abbot for a letter of recommendation or permission stating your purpose and history? I requested for one to be issued for my return a year later as a layman so I could bring many new tools from the US and get thru customs easily and do volunteer work at that time. Albeit, mine was from the thai Buddhists regional administrator. As you know, things change rapidly in the kingdom and things are much different now than in *********
. Don’t let the discourage you from merit making. There are always work arounds. Be humble and be patient and things will work out. One thing concerns me, I was in a far away and very isolated mountain top forrest temple and that may have made things a lot easier. I also was ordained by the regional administration head monk. I’m sure this made for less complicated time. Not sure of your exact situation, but look into it? Best wishes my friend. 🙏🏻
Chris *******
@Sasi ***********
yes and they will have the appropriate visa.Tourists cannot legally volunteer work.
It does not mean it doesn't happen but can be very problematic if someone complains of foreigners working.
It doesn't matter if it is paid.
Chris *****
@Chris ******
no special visa needed. I ordained in 2010 and worked hard every day as a monk. From sweeping and raking leaves to plumbing and carpentry and electrical work. Even some cement work. Lived in the forest temple for several months. Came to Thailand on a six month multi entry tourist visa from the US. Have the thai monk ID booklet so it’s official,Chris *****
@Chris ******
The Thai monk ID booklet, or Monk's Identity Book, is a document that identifies a Buddhist monk and contains information about their background:Whether they were previously ordained and when and where.
Whether their conduct was questionable while they were laymen.
The Monk's Identity Book can be used as a travel document for Thai monk passengers. It is also required to obtain a Thai passport for a Buddhist monk. Also, a tourist visa as stated before.
Chris *******
@Chris ****
and how did you stay in country?Sasi ************
@Chris ******
I can assured that “helping out” at wats will not be a problem and most all ways that offering mediation retreats are required the participants to “do the chores “ I’m not talking about “Volunteer work”
I was a nun (see my timeline) and being English speaker my volunteer gigs are involving the foreigners so I am familiar with it. Again; I’m only referring to “help out” with chores.
Sasi ************
@Derek ******
I’m Getting worn out here , thanks for the help clearing it out. I even stated that “as an English speaker “ 😂😂😂 How els can I be clearer?Derek *******
OPKen Algonquin but I don’t think she’s talking about herself. She’s talking about farang who came to the wat she was at. She’s definitely correct that all of the meditation retreats require the participants to work cleaning up. In my case, I’m just looking to see if there is anything the wat needs. Sweeping. Paint a wall. Etc. Anything they need help with as merit
Ken ***********
@Sasi ***********
yes. I thought so. Having a Thai passport means you do not need to deal with work permits.Sasi ************
@Ken **********
Both🤭😎Ken ***********
@Sasi ***********
do you have a Thai and U.S. passport ?
Mark ********
Welcome to Thailand.
Jo **********
if you obtain a volunteer visa it could prevent you for later getting longer term
visas
visas
Kate *******
@Jo *********
yeah I’ve seen this. Very odd though, I wonder what the backstory is for this law, there must have been a reason that caused it to be necessary
Henrik *****
If a volunteer isn’t doing the odd small jobs, then they have to hire someone to get it done, and that kind of jobs are reserved for Thai people, so it could bring a income to a Thai(family).
Why would you even consider taking the bread out of mouth of a poor Thai family.
Why would you even consider taking the bread out of mouth of a poor Thai family.
Derek *******
OP@Henrik ****
so that’s exactly it. Some odd small jobs around the wat. In Buddhism, it’s called merit. maybe you bring up a very good point. Maybe it’s a distinction between somebody volunteering as a full-time worker and someone just doing a couple odd jobs to help out a watSasi ************
@Kate ******
My daughter (a nurse) and her medical professional friends like MD, Chiropractor, Oncologist etc are planning on volunteering in Thailand (she is 100% Thai, both of my children are) but have to stop altogether when we were told that medical professionals volunteer required Thai license! Medical is among much needed in Thailand as we all know, but with the requirement alone making it almost impossible!
That’s was before the Coronavirus pandemic, I have information if that regulation’s still stands or not.
That’s made no sense I’m wondering what’s the backstory.
Ken ***********
Yes. Volunteering in Thailand requires a work permit. Laws often don't make sense all around the world.
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