@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 ******

. Looks like this.

@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 ******

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,

@Frank-Steven **********

not in the US yet

@Frank-Steven **********

seems almost too good to be true

So if I just have a job abroad I can get this ?

All of it

Don’t forget can I drink the water. 😆

Define “ comfortable “