WAT MAHATHAT TEMPLE BANGKOK (Pronounced What-Maa-Haa-Tart)

Location & Significance

• Wat Mahathat enshrines relics of the Buddha and is regarded as one of Bangkok’s most highly revered temples.

• Built during the Ayutthaya Kingdom (before Bangkok was founded in 1782), Wat Mahathat hosts Thailand’s largest monastic order and a Vipassana meditation center, as well as the world’s oldest Buddhist university.

• It is just 700 meters north of the Grand Palace in Bangkok and is one of only six first-class royal temples.

• Originally named Wat Photharam, it refers to the monastery of the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.​

 

VIPASSANA MEDITATION CENTER AT WAT MAHATHAT

What is Vipassana Meditation?

• Vipassana (Insight Meditation) is taught here to both Thai and foreign visitors in English.

• This technique focuses on gaining insight into the true nature of life, recognizing that all external things are impermanent, and helping practitioners address the root causes of suffering.

 

Benefits & Philosophy

• Humans are naturally blissful and joyful, yet modern life can distract us with fleeting external pleasures—fame, fortune, or other desires that only create temporary forms of happiness.

• Through meditation and contemplation, one can learn to remain calm in chaos and realize that happiness/unhappiness is often a choice.

 

Class Schedule & Donations

• Daily three-hour classes in English run from:

  • 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

  • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Classes are free, but a suitable donation is encouraged. These donations help maintain the temple and its community activities.

• The meditation center is located in Section 5 of Wat Mahathat.

 

Nearby Amulet Market

• Across Maharat Road from the temple is a large amulet market, with numerous stalls selling amulets, Buddha images, and religious statues—ranging from inexpensive to very costly.

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Getting There

• The easiest and relatively fast way is by the Chao Phraya River Express Boat.

• Two piers (Tha Chang Pier and Tha Prachan Nuea Pier) are within walking distance of the temple.

Entrance Fee & Hours

• Temple grounds are open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.

• PHONE 093 549 9251

 

OTHER MEDITATION CENTERS & RETREATS IN BANGKOK

Below are several centers, each offering different approaches and schedules for meditation. It is highly recommended to contact them beforehand to confirm current details, rules, and any specific requirements.

 

1. Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Center

• Conveniently located in Sukhumvit Soi 23.

• Run by the Shambhala Mandala Association, a global nonprofit community aiming to awaken kindness, goodness, and wisdom.

• Technique taught is Shamatha Vipashyana, a mindfulness-awareness meditation directly passed down from Buddha Shakyamuni for over 2,500 years.

• They offer multi-level meditation classes, regular study events, visiting teachers, and workshops.

• Drop-ins are welcome at scheduled events, but online registration is recommended.

• Classes are free; donations are appreciated.

 

2. Dhamma Dhani Vipassana Meditation Center

• Part of a network of centers dedicated to teaching Vipassana Meditation, one of India’s most ancient techniques, practiced for over 2,500 years.

• The focus here is a ten-day residential course introducing the “Art of Living.”

• Commonly asked questions and more details can be found on their website.

 

3. Rojana Dhamma Foundation

• A community center with events in English and Thai, including the popular “Meditate with a Monk Mondays.”

• Organizes a monthly Thai Buddhist ceremony at local temples, welcoming visitors to observe or participate.

• Half-day sessions include guest speakers discussing various Dharma Elements (e.g., The Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Karma, Sense Desire, The Four Noble Truths, and Kilesa).

 

4. The Middle Way Meditation Retreat

• A nonprofit organization with locations in six countries.

• In Bangkok, retreats are held at the Power of Peace site, a tranquil area on the city’s outskirts.

• Focuses on the “Middle Path,” aiming to foster wisdom and purity within.

• The three-day retreat introduces mindfulness practices through Buddhism and meditation, with optional yoga and other mindful activities.

• Guided by a monk who assists with meditation obstacles.

 

5. Wat Prayong International Meditation Center

• A small center located just outside Bangkok.

• Offers meditation retreats during the first weeks of the month (November to February) in German, English, and Thai.

• Teaches Buddhist philosophy and lifestyle, including bowing, chanting, mindful work, and discussion sessions with monks.

• Founded by Mae Chee Brigitte Schrottenbacher, a Buddhist monastic recognized by the UN as an “outstanding woman in Buddhism.”

 

6. House of Dharma

• A shop house in Bangkok’s suburbs converted into a community center with a Buddhist library, meditation room, and space for spiritual events.

• Focuses on Vipassana Meditation led by Acharṇ Helen, recognized by the United Nations as a prominent Western Woman Meditation Master in Southeast Asia.

 

OTHER RECOMMENDED MEDITATION RETREATS/TEMPLES IN THAILAND

• Chom Thong Insight Meditation Center at Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong (near Chiang Mai)

• Wat Suan Dok (Chiang Mai)

• Wat Umong (Chiang Mai)

• Wat Suan Mokkh (Surat Thani)

• Doi Suthep Vipassana Meditation Center at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)

Tip for Beginners: It’s advised to choose a temple away from the noise of the city. Rural or forest temples (e.g., Wat Suan Mokkh or Wat Khao Tham) often provide instruction in English in a peaceful, natural environment.

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STAYING IN A MEDITATION RETREAT OR BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Daily Schedule

• Temple life generally starts very early (4:00–6:00 AM).

• Good conduct and behavior are crucial for cultivating a pure and balanced mind.

Precepts to Observe

1. Abstain from harm to living beings

2. Abstain from stealing

3. Abstain from sexual contact

4. Abstain from false speech

5. Abstain from consuming alcohol, taking illegal drugs, or smoking

6. Abstain from eating after 12:00 PM (noon)

7. Abstain from dancing, singing, playing music, watching entertainment, perfume, and makeup

8. Abstain from high or luxurious seats/beds

Some centers may require noble silence, meaning no talking except during instruction. Common sense and consideration help foster a sense of inner bliss and joy during your practice.

 

TEMPLE CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

Regardless of whether you are in a retreat or just visiting a temple:

1. Be respectful and polite to everyone.

2. Speak less to help quiet the mind. Avoid social media and selfies during practice.

3. Honor monks, the Royal Family, and images of the Buddha with reverence.

4. When seated, do not point your feet at monks or Buddha images (feet are considered impure in Thai culture).

5. Women should not touch a monk or hand objects directly to him. It is customary to place items on a cloth or tray.

By following these guidelines and approaching each temple, center, or retreat with respect and openness, you can deepen your meditation practice and immerse yourself in Thailand’s rich Buddhist heritage.

 

More centers

Below is a curated list of organizations and centers in Thailand known for providing mediation services and/or mediation training. Many of them offer (or can arrange) courses and services in English, making them suitable for foreigners. Note that “certification” of mediators or mediation centers in Thailand can come through various channels (e.g., the Office of the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, professional associations). The following centers are widely regarded as reputable in the Thai ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) community.

 

1. Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC)

Location: Bangkok
Website: https://thac.or.th/
Overview:

• THAC is one of the most prominent ADR institutions in Thailand, established under the Act of Arbitration Center B.E. 2550 (2007).

• Provides mediation and arbitration services in commercial and civil disputes.

• Regularly organizes trainings and seminars (including mediation courses) in both Thai and English.

• Offers a panel of local and international mediators for cross-border or multi-lingual disputes.

 

2. Thai Arbitration Institute (TAI) – Office of the Judiciary

Location: Bangkok (at the Criminal Court Complex, Ratchadaphisek Road)
Website: https://www.coj.go.th/ (Thai Judiciary’s official portal)
Overview:

• Part of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Office under the Office of the Judiciary.

• Administers both arbitration and mediation proceedings.

• Conducts mediator trainings primarily in Thai, but many of their certified mediators are proficient in English, and English support can often be arranged.

• Recognized for its affiliation with the Thai court system, which sometimes refers cases to TAI for mediation.

 

3. Mediation Center, Department of Mediation and Arbitration (Ministry of Justice)

Location: Various offices under the Ministry of Justice
Website: http://www.moj.go.th/ (main site; content mostly in Thai)
Overview:

• Overseen by the Thai Ministry of Justice, which governs much of the official framework for mediation.

• Focuses on court-annexed and out-of-court mediation for civil, commercial, and minor criminal cases.

• Offers mediator trainings, although these programs are typically in Thai. Some courses and workshops, however, can accommodate English-speaking participants (often with simultaneous interpretation).

• Official government connection ensures credibility, though courses for foreigners may be more limited compared to private institutions.

 

4. University-Based Mediation & ADR Programs

Several Thai universities have ADR or law faculties that offer mediation and dispute resolution programs. While these programs primarily cater to local students, many of them have (or can organize) English-language modules or special sessions for international students and professionals. Two examples:

1. Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Law

   • Has hosted international conferences on mediation and arbitration.

   • Sometimes offers short courses in English in partnership with foreign institutions.

2. Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Law

   • Runs academic courses on ADR and may host workshops or training sessions in English, often in collaboration with international partners.

If you’re seeking an academic credential (e.g., a certificate or diploma in mediation) or a structured course taught in English, contacting university law faculties can be worthwhile.

 

5. Private Mediation and Training Providers

Aside from formal “centers,” there are private outfits and consultancies in Bangkok and other major cities offering mediation services and specialized mediation training. Some notable examples include:

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1. Bangkok Mediation & Arbitration Center (BMAC)

   • A private center offering mediation and arbitration services in commercial and civil disputes.

   • Known to bring in bilingual or English-speaking mediators for international clients.

2. Mediation Training Institutes or Consultancies (various)

   • A number of smaller institutes or individual mediators (often affiliated with international mediation associations) provide tailor-made courses in English.

   • Check professional networks like Bangkok International Community Association (BICA), LinkedIn groups, or local chambers of commerce (e.g., Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand) for upcoming mediation workshops in English.

 

6. Chambers of Commerce & Business Associations

Some binational chambers of commerce (e.g., American, British, Australian, German Chambers in Thailand) occasionally host or co-host ADR workshops and seminars (including mediation courses) in English, aiming to help foreign and local businesspeople understand and adopt mediation best practices. While these may not be “certified mediation centers” per se, they often collaborate with recognized ADR organizations and certified trainers.

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Mediation Center or Course

1. Check Accreditation & Professional Background

   • In Thailand, mediators may be accredited by the Office of the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, or internationally (e.g., through the International Mediation Institute).

   • Ask about the trainers’ or mediators’ backgrounds, qualifications, and experience in cross-border disputes.

2. Language Support

   • Confirm that the course or service you are considering offers full English support (study materials, simultaneous interpretation, or bilingual trainers/mediators).

3. Curriculum & Certification

   • If you want a formal certification upon completion, verify in advance whether the organization’s certificate is recognized by Thai authorities or by international mediation bodies.

4. Relevance to Your Goals

   • Determine whether you need court-annexed mediation (for pending lawsuits in Thailand), commercial mediation, family mediation, or specialized training (e.g., workplace mediation). Different centers may focus on different dispute types.

5. Practical vs. Theoretical Focus

   • Some programs are more academic in nature (offered by universities), while others focus on practical skills (role-plays, simulations, real-world case studies). Choose according to your learning style and professional needs.

How to Get More Information

• Contact centers directly via email or phone (English is typically understood at larger organizations like THAC).

• Check upcoming ADR events in Thailand through chambers of commerce, law associations, or on LinkedIn.

• Visit official websites or contact the Thai Embassy/Consulate in your home country if you need formal introductions or up-to-date listings for government-related mediation services.

Disclaimer

• The above list is not exhaustive; there may be other reputable centers or training providers.

• Always verify current details (courses, schedules, fees, and language of instruction) directly with the institution before enrolling.

• Regulations and available English-language programs can change over time, so it’s best to confirm the latest information with each organization.