BANGKOK
BANGKOKCOURSESBANGKOKCOURSESChong Nonsi) The facilities are basic but Silom
crams a visit to a local market and instruc-
tion of six dishes into three and a half hours,
making it the best bang for your baht. Trans-
portation is available.
Meditation
Although at times Bangkok may seem like
the most un-Buddhist place on earth, there
are several places where foreigners can prac-
tise Theravada Buddhist meditation. For
background information on Buddhism, see
p 729 ; for temple etiquette, see p 59 and p 34.
Additional sources of information include
Dharma Thai (www.dhammathai.org), which
has a rundown on several prominent wát
and meditation centres.
House of Dhamma MEDITATION
(Map p 118 ; %0 2511 0439; http://www.houseofdhamma.
com; 26/9 Soi 15, Th Lat Prao; MRT Lat Phrao)
Helen Jandamit has opened her suburban
Bangkok home to meditation retreats and
classes in vipassana (insight meditation).
Check the website to see what workshops
are on off er, and be sure to call ahead before
making a visit.
Wat Mahathat MEDITATION
(Map p 60 ; 3 Th Maha Rat; bus 32, 201, 503, river
ferry Tha Maharaj or Tha Chang) This temple
is home to two independently operating
meditation centres. The International
Buddhist Meditation Center (%0 2222
6011; http://www.centermeditation.org; Section 5, Wat
Mahathat; donations accepted) off ers daily
meditation classes at 7am, 1pm and 6pm.
Taught by English-speaking Phra Suputh,
classes last three hours. The Meditation
Study and Retreat Center (%0 223 6878;
http://www.meditation-watmahadhat.com; Wat Mahathat;
donations accepted) off ers a regimented daily
programme of meditation. With both of
these programmes, longer stays, including
accommodation and food can be arranged,
but students are expected to follow a strict
regmen of conduct.
World Fellowship of
Buddhists MEDITATION
(WFB; Map p 92 ; %0 2661 1284; http://www.wfb-hq.
org; 616 Benjasiri Park, Soi 24, Th Sukhumvit;
h8.30am-4pm Sun-Fri; BTS Phrom Phong) On
the fi rst Sunday of the month, this centre
of Theravada Buddhism hosts meditation
classes in English from 2pm to 5pm. The
fellowship also holds interesting forums on
Buddhist issues.
Thai Boxing
Training in moo·ay tai (also spelt muay
thai) for foreigners has increased in popu-
larity in the past fi ve years and many camps
all over the country are tailoring their pro-
grams for English-speaking fi ghters. The fol-
lowing camps provide instruction in English
and accept men and women. Food and ac-
commodation can often be provided for an
extra charge. The website http://www.muaythai.
com contains loads of information on train-
ing camps.Muay Thai Institute THAI BOXING GYM
(Map p 153 ; %0 2992 0096; http://www.muaythai-in
stitute.net; Rangsit Stadium, 336/932 Th Prach-
atipat, Pathum Thani; tuition for 1st level 8000B;
BTS Mo Chit & access by taxi) Associated with
the respected World Muay Thai Council,
the institute off ers a fundamental course
(consisting of three levels of expertise), as
well as courses for instructors, referees and
judges.Sor Vorapin Gym THAI BOXING GYM
(Map p 60 ; %0 2282 3551; http://www.thaiboxings.com; 13
Th Kasab, Th Chakraphong; tuition per day/month
500/9000B; bus 2, 15, 44, 511, river ferry Tha Phra
Athit) Specialising in training foreign stu-
dents of both genders, this gym is sweating
distance from Th Khao San. More serious
training is held at a gym outside the city.Fairtex Muay Thai THAI BOXING GYM
(off Map p 153 ; %0 2755 3329; http://www.fairtexbangplee.
com; 99/5 Mu 3, Soi Buthamanuson, Th Thaeparak,
Bangpli, Samut Prakan; tuition & accommodation
per day from 1100B; BTS Chong Nonsi & access by
taxi) A popular, long-running camp south of
Bangkok. Thai Language
Union Language
School THAI LANGUAGE LESSONS
(Map p 86 ; %0 2214 6033; http://www. unionlanguage
school.com; 7th fl , 328 CCT Offi ce Bldg, Th Phayat-
hai; tuition from 7000B; BTS Ratchathewi) Gener-
ally recognised as having the best and most
rigorous courses (many missionaries study
here). Union employs a balance of structure-
and communication-oriented methodolo-
gies in 80-hour, four-week modules.American University
Alumni Language
Centre THAI LANGUAGE LESSONS
(AUA; Map p 86 ; %0 2252 8398; http://www.auathai.com;
179 Th Ratchadamri; tuition per hr 128B; BTS Ratch-
adamri) This longstanding institute features