About
Welcome to Pai International Meditation Center, where natural beauty and gentle meditation helps you remember who you are.
Our Story
The retreat center was born out of a dream to share the ancient wisdom of Thailand with people from all around the world. Over the past 2500 years, Buddhist monks have kept the tradition of meditation alive and those who have come to study with the monks have left with a renewed sense of inner peace. Since launching our meditation retreat program, we've welcomed countless travelers from over 68 nations, held space for life-changing moments, and given people the power to remember their inner light.
Our Vision
At Pai International Meditation Center, our vision is for everyone to be able to access the happiness that lies within. We aspire to be a place where people can realize that what they're searching for is already within them, and always has been.
Meditation Technique
A Focus on Ease
We teach Thai Theravada meditation in the Dhammakaya tradition, popularized by Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro in the 20th century. The practice emphasizes balancing comfort and awareness — when the body is at ease and the mind is calm, it naturally returns to its inner home. From there, a deep sense of contentment arises, touching us at the core.
Approachable for Beginners
Part of the beauty of this practice is that progress comes not from striving, but from relaxing more deeply and letting go more fully. Even if you’re new to meditation, simply learning how to ease the body and quiet the mind can offer meaningful benefits from the very beginning.
Deepening your Practice
For experienced meditators, our approach helps you go deeper by re-evaluating your balance of ease and effort. You’re welcome to continue using the techniques that work best for you, but small shifts at this state can result in transformative results. Our teaching monks offer personalized guidance through small group sessions and are available for support throughout the retreat.
Teaching Monks
Born and raised in Thailand, his journey began at the age of 14 helping run his family's business. Despite being highly successful and earning over $30k/mo, he felt a lack of greater fulfillment. At the age of 17, he began practicing meditation, and after years of practice, came to realize that Dhamma was accessible and capable of truly helping people attain inner happiness. He decided to ordain as a Buddhist monk in 2011, and has been sharing the wisdom of meditation ever since.
Monk Heng
Lead Teaching Monk, Ordained 2011
Born and raised in Thailand, his journey began at the age of 14 helping run his family's business. Despite being highly successful and earning over $30k/mo, he felt a lack of greater fulfillment. At the age of 17, he began practicing meditation, and after years of practice, came to realize that Dhamma was accessible and capable of truly helping people attain inner happiness. He decided to ordain as a Buddhist monk in 2011, and has been sharing the wisdom of meditation ever since.
Monk Heng
Lead Teaching Monk, Ordained 2011
Born and raised in Thailand, his journey began at the age of 14 helping run his family's business. Despite being highly successful and earning over $30k/mo, he felt a lack of greater fulfillment. At the age of 17, he began practicing meditation, and after years of practice, came to realize that Dhamma was accessible and capable of truly helping people attain inner happiness. He decided to ordain as a Buddhist monk in 2011, and has been sharing the wisdom of meditation ever since.
Monk Heng
Lead Teaching Monk, Ordained 2011
Born and raised in Thailand, his journey began at the age of 14 helping run his family's business. Despite being highly successful and earning over $30k/mo, he felt a lack of greater fulfillment. At the age of 17, he began practicing meditation, and after years of practice, came to realize that Dhamma was accessible and capable of truly helping people attain inner happiness. He decided to ordain as a Buddhist monk in 2011, and has been sharing the wisdom of meditation ever since.
Monk Heng
Lead Teaching Monk, Ordained 2011
At the age of 20, Monk Dan ordained as a monk with the intention to dedicate his life to the practice of meditation. Having grown up in the US and being a native English speaker, Monk Dan leads the English language program for monks at the temple learning to share Buddhist wisdom to a Western audience. He hopes to share with everyone the tools he has learned to unlock the inner happiness that exists in each of us—it’s a gift that we all have within us, but we just need some time to unwrap it.
Monk Daniel
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2011
At the age of 20, Monk Dan ordained as a monk with the intention to dedicate his life to the practice of meditation. Having grown up in the US and being a native English speaker, Monk Dan leads the English language program for monks at the temple learning to share Buddhist wisdom to a Western audience. He hopes to share with everyone the tools he has learned to unlock the inner happiness that exists in each of us—it’s a gift that we all have within us, but we just need some time to unwrap it.
Monk Daniel
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2011
At the age of 20, Monk Dan ordained as a monk with the intention to dedicate his life to the practice of meditation. Having grown up in the US and being a native English speaker, Monk Dan leads the English language program for monks at the temple learning to share Buddhist wisdom to a Western audience. He hopes to share with everyone the tools he has learned to unlock the inner happiness that exists in each of us—it’s a gift that we all have within us, but we just need some time to unwrap it.
Monk Daniel
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2011
At the age of 20, Monk Dan ordained as a monk with the intention to dedicate his life to the practice of meditation. Having grown up in the US and being a native English speaker, Monk Dan leads the English language program for monks at the temple learning to share Buddhist wisdom to a Western audience. He hopes to share with everyone the tools he has learned to unlock the inner happiness that exists in each of us—it’s a gift that we all have within us, but we just need some time to unwrap it.
Monk Daniel
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2011
Monk Bee was born and raised in the United States. He started meditating at the age of 6, and has been practicing for 25+ years. In 2012, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk and joined his temple's special meditation team to train intensively in meditation. Through close guidance from his master, he teaches what he’s learned to thousands from all around the world, including CEOs, government officials, professors, and more. Monk Bee believes that meditation is a universal gift that can lead everyone to discover their true universal happiness within.
Monk Bee
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2012
Monk Bee was born and raised in the United States. He started meditating at the age of 6, and has been practicing for 25+ years. In 2012, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk and joined his temple's special meditation team to train intensively in meditation. Through close guidance from his master, he teaches what he’s learned to thousands from all around the world, including CEOs, government officials, professors, and more. Monk Bee believes that meditation is a universal gift that can lead everyone to discover their true universal happiness within.
Monk Bee
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2012
Monk Bee was born and raised in the United States. He started meditating at the age of 6, and has been practicing for 25+ years. In 2012, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk and joined his temple's special meditation team to train intensively in meditation. Through close guidance from his master, he teaches what he’s learned to thousands from all around the world, including CEOs, government officials, professors, and more. Monk Bee believes that meditation is a universal gift that can lead everyone to discover their true universal happiness within.
Monk Bee
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2012
Monk Bee was born and raised in the United States. He started meditating at the age of 6, and has been practicing for 25+ years. In 2012, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk and joined his temple's special meditation team to train intensively in meditation. Through close guidance from his master, he teaches what he’s learned to thousands from all around the world, including CEOs, government officials, professors, and more. Monk Bee believes that meditation is a universal gift that can lead everyone to discover their true universal happiness within.
Monk Bee
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2012
Monk Wasun studied Control System and Instrumentation Engineering at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Bangkok. While at university, he felt a profound need for something more beyond his studies, embarking on a quest for personal meaning. In October 2008, he attended a 7-day meditation retreat, which left him feeling deeply content, enriched, and eager to learn more. That initial spark led Monk Wasun to reshape his life around Buddhist practice, and four years later, led him to ordain as a monk in 2012.
Monk Wasun
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2012
Monk Wasun studied Control System and Instrumentation Engineering at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Bangkok. While at university, he felt a profound need for something more beyond his studies, embarking on a quest for personal meaning. In October 2008, he attended a 7-day meditation retreat, which left him feeling deeply content, enriched, and eager to learn more. That initial spark led Monk Wasun to reshape his life around Buddhist practice, and four years later, led him to ordain as a monk in 2012.
Monk Wasun
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2012
Monk Wasun studied Control System and Instrumentation Engineering at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Bangkok. While at university, he felt a profound need for something more beyond his studies, embarking on a quest for personal meaning. In October 2008, he attended a 7-day meditation retreat, which left him feeling deeply content, enriched, and eager to learn more. That initial spark led Monk Wasun to reshape his life around Buddhist practice, and four years later, led him to ordain as a monk in 2012.
Monk Wasun
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2012
Monk Wasun studied Control System and Instrumentation Engineering at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Bangkok. While at university, he felt a profound need for something more beyond his studies, embarking on a quest for personal meaning. In October 2008, he attended a 7-day meditation retreat, which left him feeling deeply content, enriched, and eager to learn more. That initial spark led Monk Wasun to reshape his life around Buddhist practice, and four years later, led him to ordain as a monk in 2012.
Monk Wasun
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2012
While studying Computer Science at Ramkhamhaeng University, Monk Boy developed an interest in meditation and joined the Buddhist club. He began to cultivate a daily meditation practice and later joined a 7-day meditation retreat which helped him experience a depth of happiness he had never experienced before. He decided to volunteer at the temple and upon graduation, ordained as a monk to deepen his practice and share this happiness with others.
Monk Boy
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2013
While studying Computer Science at Ramkhamhaeng University, Monk Boy developed an interest in meditation and joined the Buddhist club. He began to cultivate a daily meditation practice and later joined a 7-day meditation retreat which helped him experience a depth of happiness he had never experienced before. He decided to volunteer at the temple and upon graduation, ordained as a monk to deepen his practice and share this happiness with others.
Monk Boy
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2013
While studying Computer Science at Ramkhamhaeng University, Monk Boy developed an interest in meditation and joined the Buddhist club. He began to cultivate a daily meditation practice and later joined a 7-day meditation retreat which helped him experience a depth of happiness he had never experienced before. He decided to volunteer at the temple and upon graduation, ordained as a monk to deepen his practice and share this happiness with others.
Monk Boy
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2013
While studying Computer Science at Ramkhamhaeng University, Monk Boy developed an interest in meditation and joined the Buddhist club. He began to cultivate a daily meditation practice and later joined a 7-day meditation retreat which helped him experience a depth of happiness he had never experienced before. He decided to volunteer at the temple and upon graduation, ordained as a monk to deepen his practice and share this happiness with others.
Monk Boy
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2013
Monk Jacky ordained in 2014 and as he continued to study more about meditation, he recognized how important meditation is to life. He found his life’s purpose in sharing the practice of meditation, and decided to continue living as a monk to pursue his passion in the teaching and the practice of meditation. He is delighted for the opportunity to share the practice of meditation and inner peace with everyone.
Monk Jacky
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2014
Monk Jacky ordained in 2014 and as he continued to study more about meditation, he recognized how important meditation is to life. He found his life’s purpose in sharing the practice of meditation, and decided to continue living as a monk to pursue his passion in the teaching and the practice of meditation. He is delighted for the opportunity to share the practice of meditation and inner peace with everyone.
Monk Jacky
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2014
Monk Jacky ordained in 2014 and as he continued to study more about meditation, he recognized how important meditation is to life. He found his life’s purpose in sharing the practice of meditation, and decided to continue living as a monk to pursue his passion in the teaching and the practice of meditation. He is delighted for the opportunity to share the practice of meditation and inner peace with everyone.
Monk Jacky
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2014
Monk Jacky ordained in 2014 and as he continued to study more about meditation, he recognized how important meditation is to life. He found his life’s purpose in sharing the practice of meditation, and decided to continue living as a monk to pursue his passion in the teaching and the practice of meditation. He is delighted for the opportunity to share the practice of meditation and inner peace with everyone.
Monk Jacky
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2014
Born in Khon Kaen, Thailand, he relocated to Germany at the age of 14. During his time in Frankfurt, he discovered meditation and realized his life’s purpose was to deepen his own sense of inner happiness and share with others the way to access that inner peace. Recognizing that ordination as a monk was essential to fulfilling his life goal, he took novice ordination eight times during school breaks. Eventually, at the age of 20, he returned to Thailand to be ordained as a monk. He has taught meditation in Nepal, Indonesia, Mongolia, Mexico, Thailand, and more.
Monk Pop
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2013
Born in Khon Kaen, Thailand, he relocated to Germany at the age of 14. During his time in Frankfurt, he discovered meditation and realized his life’s purpose was to deepen his own sense of inner happiness and share with others the way to access that inner peace. Recognizing that ordination as a monk was essential to fulfilling his life goal, he took novice ordination eight times during school breaks. Eventually, at the age of 20, he returned to Thailand to be ordained as a monk. He has taught meditation in Nepal, Indonesia, Mongolia, Mexico, Thailand, and more.
Monk Pop
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2013
Born in Khon Kaen, Thailand, he relocated to Germany at the age of 14. During his time in Frankfurt, he discovered meditation and realized his life’s purpose was to deepen his own sense of inner happiness and share with others the way to access that inner peace. Recognizing that ordination as a monk was essential to fulfilling his life goal, he took novice ordination eight times during school breaks. Eventually, at the age of 20, he returned to Thailand to be ordained as a monk. He has taught meditation in Nepal, Indonesia, Mongolia, Mexico, Thailand, and more.
Monk Pop
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2013
Born in Khon Kaen, Thailand, he relocated to Germany at the age of 14. During his time in Frankfurt, he discovered meditation and realized his life’s purpose was to deepen his own sense of inner happiness and share with others the way to access that inner peace. Recognizing that ordination as a monk was essential to fulfilling his life goal, he took novice ordination eight times during school breaks. Eventually, at the age of 20, he returned to Thailand to be ordained as a monk. He has taught meditation in Nepal, Indonesia, Mongolia, Mexico, Thailand, and more.
Monk Pop
Teaching Monk, Ordained 2013
Our Staff
Joy Duangkamol Chartprasert brings a wealth of experience in leadership and education to her role as retreat director. She taught journalism at Chulalongkorn University from 1991 to 2022 and also served as Dean of the Faculty of Communication Arts. She holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA. After retiring from university life, she joined the center’s early retreats and deeply appreciated the transformative power of meditation. Now serving full-time as a volunteer retreat director, she is dedicated to helping others discover inner peace through the practice of meditation.
Joy
Retreat Director
Joy Duangkamol Chartprasert brings a wealth of experience in leadership and education to her role as retreat director. She taught journalism at Chulalongkorn University from 1991 to 2022 and also served as Dean of the Faculty of Communication Arts. She holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA. After retiring from university life, she joined the center’s early retreats and deeply appreciated the transformative power of meditation. Now serving full-time as a volunteer retreat director, she is dedicated to helping others discover inner peace through the practice of meditation.
Joy
Retreat Director
Joy Duangkamol Chartprasert brings a wealth of experience in leadership and education to her role as retreat director. She taught journalism at Chulalongkorn University from 1991 to 2022 and also served as Dean of the Faculty of Communication Arts. She holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA. After retiring from university life, she joined the center’s early retreats and deeply appreciated the transformative power of meditation. Now serving full-time as a volunteer retreat director, she is dedicated to helping others discover inner peace through the practice of meditation.
Joy
Retreat Director
Joy Duangkamol Chartprasert brings a wealth of experience in leadership and education to her role as retreat director. She taught journalism at Chulalongkorn University from 1991 to 2022 and also served as Dean of the Faculty of Communication Arts. She holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA. After retiring from university life, she joined the center’s early retreats and deeply appreciated the transformative power of meditation. Now serving full-time as a volunteer retreat director, she is dedicated to helping others discover inner peace through the practice of meditation.
Joy
Retreat Director
Nulex has been a dedicated facilitator at the Pai International Meditation Center since 2024 with a background in English and German Studies. She discovered the life-changing power of meditation during her high school years. Since then, meditation has become a beloved part of her daily life and personal journey. Motivated by a heartfelt desire to share the happiness she has found through meditation, Nulex supports retreat participants with warmth and care—ensuring their comfort and peace of mind throughout their stay. Her goal is to help everyone access their inner joy more easily.
Nulex
Retreat Coordinator
Nulex has been a dedicated facilitator at the Pai International Meditation Center since 2024 with a background in English and German Studies. She discovered the life-changing power of meditation during her high school years. Since then, meditation has become a beloved part of her daily life and personal journey. Motivated by a heartfelt desire to share the happiness she has found through meditation, Nulex supports retreat participants with warmth and care—ensuring their comfort and peace of mind throughout their stay. Her goal is to help everyone access their inner joy more easily.
Nulex
Retreat Coordinator
Nulex has been a dedicated facilitator at the Pai International Meditation Center since 2024 with a background in English and German Studies. She discovered the life-changing power of meditation during her high school years. Since then, meditation has become a beloved part of her daily life and personal journey. Motivated by a heartfelt desire to share the happiness she has found through meditation, Nulex supports retreat participants with warmth and care—ensuring their comfort and peace of mind throughout their stay. Her goal is to help everyone access their inner joy more easily.
Nulex
Retreat Coordinator
Nulex has been a dedicated facilitator at the Pai International Meditation Center since 2024 with a background in English and German Studies. She discovered the life-changing power of meditation during her high school years. Since then, meditation has become a beloved part of her daily life and personal journey. Motivated by a heartfelt desire to share the happiness she has found through meditation, Nulex supports retreat participants with warmth and care—ensuring their comfort and peace of mind throughout their stay. Her goal is to help everyone access their inner joy more easily.
Nulex
Retreat Coordinator
Eddy Rapeepong Ruanthon has been a retreat coordinator at the Pai International Meditation Center in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, since 2021. With a warm and caring heart, he supports participants through every step of their retreat journey—before they arrive, during their stay, as well as online after they return home. Eddy began practicing Dhammakaya meditation in 2009 while he was a university student and has since used meditation as a guiding tool for self-care and personal growth. He hopes that everyone who joins the retreat will discover true inner peace and return home with the strength to be their own refuge.
Eddy
Retreat Coordinator
Eddy Rapeepong Ruanthon has been a retreat coordinator at the Pai International Meditation Center in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, since 2021. With a warm and caring heart, he supports participants through every step of their retreat journey—before they arrive, during their stay, as well as online after they return home. Eddy began practicing Dhammakaya meditation in 2009 while he was a university student and has since used meditation as a guiding tool for self-care and personal growth. He hopes that everyone who joins the retreat will discover true inner peace and return home with the strength to be their own refuge.
Eddy
Retreat Coordinator
Eddy Rapeepong Ruanthon has been a retreat coordinator at the Pai International Meditation Center in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, since 2021. With a warm and caring heart, he supports participants through every step of their retreat journey—before they arrive, during their stay, as well as online after they return home. Eddy began practicing Dhammakaya meditation in 2009 while he was a university student and has since used meditation as a guiding tool for self-care and personal growth. He hopes that everyone who joins the retreat will discover true inner peace and return home with the strength to be their own refuge.
Eddy
Retreat Coordinator
Eddy Rapeepong Ruanthon has been a retreat coordinator at the Pai International Meditation Center in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, since 2021. With a warm and caring heart, he supports participants through every step of their retreat journey—before they arrive, during their stay, as well as online after they return home. Eddy began practicing Dhammakaya meditation in 2009 while he was a university student and has since used meditation as a guiding tool for self-care and personal growth. He hopes that everyone who joins the retreat will discover true inner peace and return home with the strength to be their own refuge.
Eddy
Retreat Coordinator
After graduating from university, Ploy dedicated herself to working with Buddhist communities across AEC countries for 7+ years. These experiences deepened her understanding of mindfulness and compassionate service, connecting her with people from all walks of life. She was drawn to Pai Meditation Center by the peaceful environment and the opportunity to grow spiritually. She believes that true happiness begins from within—and she’s passionate about helping others discover that joy for themselves.
Ploy
Retreat Coordinator
After graduating from university, Ploy dedicated herself to working with Buddhist communities across AEC countries for 7+ years. These experiences deepened her understanding of mindfulness and compassionate service, connecting her with people from all walks of life. She was drawn to Pai Meditation Center by the peaceful environment and the opportunity to grow spiritually. She believes that true happiness begins from within—and she’s passionate about helping others discover that joy for themselves.
Ploy
Retreat Coordinator
After graduating from university, Ploy dedicated herself to working with Buddhist communities across AEC countries for 7+ years. These experiences deepened her understanding of mindfulness and compassionate service, connecting her with people from all walks of life. She was drawn to Pai Meditation Center by the peaceful environment and the opportunity to grow spiritually. She believes that true happiness begins from within—and she’s passionate about helping others discover that joy for themselves.
Ploy
Retreat Coordinator
After graduating from university, Ploy dedicated herself to working with Buddhist communities across AEC countries for 7+ years. These experiences deepened her understanding of mindfulness and compassionate service, connecting her with people from all walks of life. She was drawn to Pai Meditation Center by the peaceful environment and the opportunity to grow spiritually. She believes that true happiness begins from within—and she’s passionate about helping others discover that joy for themselves.
Ploy
Retreat Coordinator
M is the quiet, caring presence behind each meditation retreat. As a retreat logistics coordinator, he ensures that every space is clean, peaceful, and welcoming—helping participants feel calm and supported from the moment they arrive. Having practiced meditation since his university years, M knows the deep peace it can bring. He puts heart into every detail, offering silent kindness so others can fully focus on their inner journey.
M
Retreat Logistics
M is the quiet, caring presence behind each meditation retreat. As a retreat logistics coordinator, he ensures that every space is clean, peaceful, and welcoming—helping participants feel calm and supported from the moment they arrive. Having practiced meditation since his university years, M knows the deep peace it can bring. He puts heart into every detail, offering silent kindness so others can fully focus on their inner journey.
M
Retreat Logistics
M is the quiet, caring presence behind each meditation retreat. As a retreat logistics coordinator, he ensures that every space is clean, peaceful, and welcoming—helping participants feel calm and supported from the moment they arrive. Having practiced meditation since his university years, M knows the deep peace it can bring. He puts heart into every detail, offering silent kindness so others can fully focus on their inner journey.
M
Retreat Logistics
M is the quiet, caring presence behind each meditation retreat. As a retreat logistics coordinator, he ensures that every space is clean, peaceful, and welcoming—helping participants feel calm and supported from the moment they arrive. Having practiced meditation since his university years, M knows the deep peace it can bring. He puts heart into every detail, offering silent kindness so others can fully focus on their inner journey.
M
Retreat Logistics
Emmy has been part of this meditation lineage since childhood. She first came to the center as a participant and felt an immediate sense of belonging. Now a volunteer, she supports retreats as a continuation of her own practice, a chance to be of service, stay grounded, and keep learning. She trusts in the quiet power of meditation and gently hopes others may find their way back to what’s already within.
Emmy
Volunteer
Emmy has been part of this meditation lineage since childhood. She first came to the center as a participant and felt an immediate sense of belonging. Now a volunteer, she supports retreats as a continuation of her own practice, a chance to be of service, stay grounded, and keep learning. She trusts in the quiet power of meditation and gently hopes others may find their way back to what’s already within.
Emmy
Volunteer
Emmy has been part of this meditation lineage since childhood. She first came to the center as a participant and felt an immediate sense of belonging. Now a volunteer, she supports retreats as a continuation of her own practice, a chance to be of service, stay grounded, and keep learning. She trusts in the quiet power of meditation and gently hopes others may find their way back to what’s already within.
Emmy
Volunteer
Emmy has been part of this meditation lineage since childhood. She first came to the center as a participant and felt an immediate sense of belonging. Now a volunteer, she supports retreats as a continuation of her own practice, a chance to be of service, stay grounded, and keep learning. She trusts in the quiet power of meditation and gently hopes others may find their way back to what’s already within.
Emmy
Volunteer