FAQ

Wellbeing & Mental Health Screening

Q: Is iMonastery a suitable replacement for rehab or mental health treatment facilities?

A: No, iMonastery is not a substitute for rehab, mental health treatment facilities, or detoxification from substances. It is a sanctuary for intensive mind training with knowledgeable teachers. If you are detoxing from substances or have underlying mental health conditions, please consult your medical and mental health provider before considering this program.

Q: What should I do if I am detoxing from substances or have underlying mental health conditions?

A: If you are detoxing from substances or have underlying mental health conditions, it is essential to consult your medical and mental health provider before considering the program. iMonastery does not have the medical means to treat acute detoxification or exacerbations of mental health conditions.

Q: Is the mental health screening questionnaire mandatory?

A: Yes, the mental health screening questionnaire is a standard protocol to assess whether the training program is appropriate for you at this time. It aids both you and iMonastery in making an informed decision.

Q: What happens if my mental health screening indicates that the program may not be suitable for me?

A: If the screening indicates that the program may not be suitable for you due to underlying mental health conditions or detoxification from substances, it is advisable to refrain from participating. Your health and safety are of utmost importance.

Q: Is iMonastery liable for exacerbations of underlying mental health conditions during the program?

A: iMonastery is not liable for acute exacerbations of underlying mental health conditions.

Q: It is crucial to consult with your medical and mental health provider before considering the program to ensure it is appropriate for you at this time?

Yes, it is required a health screening before starting the program.

Passport Recommendations

If you plan to or are open to the idea of staying on as a monk for longer than 3 months, it is best to make sure that your passport will be valid for at least 2 years. Please be aware that foreign passport renewal while staying in Thailand can be troublesome for certain countries. Please do further research on your country’s visa policies through your local embassy so that you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.

Visa Recommendations

We recommend applying for a 60 day Tourist Visa, which can be extended by another 30 days if needed. This gives ample time for the application and approval of the 1-year religious education visa if one choose to stay on for longer than 3 months. We have a team that looks after the visa applications, extensions, and 90 day reports, for our international monks, but the initial Tourist Visa application has to be done at your local embassy or consulate. If you are a foreigner living in Thailand, then you can use your Retirement Visa or Non-Immigrant B Visa for the 30 day program.

 Transportation Tips

• Flights from Bangkok (BKK or DMK) to Chiang Mai (CNX): The fastest way to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is by air. However, keep in mind that you will also need to find transportation from Chiang Mai Airport to the training site. We recommend Thai Air Asia, Thai Viet Jet, and Thai Lion Air.
• Shared Minivan from Chiang Mai Airport to iMonastery: We organize a minibus pickup service on the 30th or 31st (one day before the registration date) at 1 pm from the Chiang Mai (CNX) airport, gate 5, with a shared cost between participants each payable on arrival.
• Avia Booking Shuttle from Chiang Mai bus Pai costs 150 Baht. **Make sure to inform the receptionist that you would like to stop at PaPae** When at the PaPae bus stop contact iMonastery for pickup.
• Taxi or Grab from airport to iMonastery can range from 600-1000 Baht. Typical pricing is 10 baht per kilometer.
• Should you require any additional help or information before your stay with us, please contact Khun Ying at +66-62-619-4698 or email us at [email protected]

For More Information

DISCLAIMERS

Policy on Payment Withdrawal

By applying, the participant has acknowledged and fully understood the following policies regarding Payment Withdrawal from Monk Life Project Thailand (hereinafter referred to as “MLP”):

1. MLP reserves the right to keep up to 100% of program fee in case the participant chooses to withdraw within the program (Unless one withdraws 30 days before the beginning of the program or one fails the health check requirements).
2. Any additional payment related to the refunding of the program fee, will be deducted from the final amount (i.e. international transfer fee or related fees).
3. The amount refunded will be adjusted according to the current exchange rate and will use Thai Baht (THB) as a point of reference.
4. Refunds will only be made to the account that made the original payment. MLP reserves the right to decline any request to refund the fees to any other account.

General Policy

1. MLP will not be responsible, nor is it bound to aid participants in any capacity after they choose to to leave the program.
2. MLP reserves the right to collect all items lent or provided for the program, including the monk robes.
3. Participants must inform MLP at least two days (48 hours) in advance of their decision to exit the program. In case the participant doesn´t informe MLP two days (48 hours) in advance, MLP reserves the right to decline any aid in the transition back to lay life.
4. MLP will not be held responsible for any possession lost within the training area before the starting date and time of the program. MLP also reserves the right to decline any request to aid in search for lost possessions or compensate for the lost items.
5. MLP may decline requests to hold certain participant possessions before the official starting date and time of the program (e.g. Illegal items, substances, weapons, etc.)