Going to Thailand: What's the process?

The Watercooler
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Greetings! I may be going to Thailand for a meditation retreat which may ultimately lead to ordaining. A longtime internet friend who happens to be a Bhikkhu is a meditation instructor at a temple in northern Thailand. He’s long known about my desire to ordain here in the states, but that my older age - now just short of 61 - has been a hindrance to doing so. Over the years he has invited me several times to come visit the temple he’s at in Thailand to possibly begin the process of ordaining there. Well, I finally have the means to take him up on his offer, but I’ve never been out of the United States. I have gotten a passport recently though.

My questions are to the Venerables who have gone from the United States to Thailand to ordain, or those who have gone there for longer retreats: What is the process? I have my passport. What do I do next? Do I buy a plane ticket next? When I do, I will be buying round-trip tickets. Should I get a visa from a Thai consulate before or after getting the plane ticket? I know a visa is only valid for a specific time, so if I need to extend it, how do I do that? Are there shots I may need to get from a doctor? I’m currently in the middle of getting a physical to make sure I’m in good health. Are there things that I need that I haven’t mentioned?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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First contact the monasteries you want to go. When they say you can come, then you go for visa application. Only after you get your visa, then you get the plane tickets. In this order.

Thailand has a language barrier to go for, so I recommend Malaysia, Sasanarakkha Buddhist sanctuary better. Although malaysia visa is worse, only 3 months. Usually after 3 months, the foreign yogi goes to singapore or thailand and then come back in a few days.

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If you go on a tourist visa, you might not want to share this information with Mr. Immigration Man

(Attention: Music)

Sorry, had to.

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Hi Dave,
First of all , let me congratulate you for the Noble intention by planning for meditation-retreat-leading towards ordination.
Mudittacitta -Sadhu,Sadhu,Sadhu :pray: :pray: :pray:

I would advice you obtain letter invitation for retreat + ordination in writing form, ( the least maybe screenshot of email invitation, acceptance from the local monastery abbot where the retreat/ordination being planned.

So you will have basis, if the immigration checks on you. after that apply visa, after receiving visa, get the plane ticket. ( its better to consult with the venerable/abbot in charge if you need to book one way/2 way ticket.

Get contact information with the nearest US consulate in Thailand ( write it down in a small notebook for emergency)

for the vaccinations before you travel i would advice you update your

  1. Regular vaccinations eg:* Tetanus

  1. Hepatitis A: Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended, as it’s a food-borne disease prevalent in Thailand.

  2. Typhoid: Vaccination against Typhoid is also recommended, especially for planning to spend time in asia, since the hygiene level are quite difference vs the western countries. ( eg consuming unpeeled or undercooked foods,local foods)

  3. Flu Vaccine: Consider getting a flu vaccine, especially for elderly

Remember to schedule vaccinations at least 6-8 weeks before your trip to ensure adequate time for the vaccines to take effect.

Very important : Bring along Activated charcoal (medication) - Wikipedia for sudden emergency.

Suggestions -:

In order to be successful in your retreat/ordination i would strongly suggest you enhance your preparation for foundations of training , either retreat or ordination.
how should be done :

Increase you kusala kamma ( regardless whether big or small) such as :Dana ( generosity by giving), helping out local charities centre, giving to the poor , dana meal to the Monastic Sangha, releasing animals,etc

Sila ( the least you should practicing 5 precepts ( pancasila buddhist) , to enhance it stronger i would strongly you start practicing Atthasila ( 8 precepts , this will provided additional boost for the Kusala-kamma, preparation for your body to acclimatize to the retreat routine and Monk Vinaya.
( if possible acclimitize the sila Vikāla-bhojanā veramaṇī sikkhā-padaṁ samādiyāmi- preparing yourself by not taking any food meal after mid-day. This also prepare you mind by controlling the senses door.

Samadhi ( practicing meditation on 4 protective meditation, practising meditation samatha/vipassana…contemplation of Buddhanussati,Dhammanussati,Sanghanussati,etc)

Panna - reading Tipitaka, learning Dhamma, will enhance your kusala foundation as well.

At the end of the day before sleep, set up determination in the mind
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adhi%E1%B9%AD%E1%B9%ADh%C4%81na
by dedication of all the merit accrued each day by :

May the merits accrued from (dana,sila,samadhi,panna )served as foundation
towards successful completion of retreat-ordination in Thailand, leading toward the realization of Nibbana,
I shall shared this merit with all beings, May all beings be well and happy.
Sadhu,Sadhu,Sadhu :pray: :pray: :pray: and rest.

hope this will be helpful…

( Please choose whichever that suitable with your preferences)

Mettacittena
Qzl

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Thank you for the responses. Great advice!