Prominent Buddhist-approach schools in Thailand

The Bangkok Post, Sept 12, 2008

Bangkok, Thailand -- There are more than 20,000 schools nationwide are registered with the Ministry of Education as Buddhist-approach institutes.

According to Buddhist education authorities, however, not every school has the same level of serious practice or really understands the core principles of the system. Following are some of Bangkok's most prominent Buddhist-approach schools.

Roong Aroon

With an advisory board headed by the country's well-known Buddhist scholar, the Venerable Phra Dhammapitaka (P.A. Payutto), Roong Aroon was established eight years ago on a 50-rai plot of land in Bangkok suburb.

The school aims to develop life through the learning process, especially with hands-on activities and is open to children from kindergarten to Matthayom 6 (Grade 12).

The school is located in Soi Wat Yai Rom, off Rama 2 Road, Bang Khun Thian district. Tel 02-870-7512/4. For more information, visit http://www.roong-aroon.ac.th.

Thawsi

Founded in 1990, Thawsi aims to create a haven for oneself to diligently train and study in order to become a wise person under the guidance of the Venerable Phra Acharn Jayasaro, former abbot of Wat Pah Nana Chat (International Forest Monastery in Ubon Ratchathani).

The small school in the middle of Ekamai admits children from nursery level to Pratom 6 (Grade 6).

Thawsi is located in Pridi Bhanomyong 41 (Ekamai 22), off Sukhumvit Soi 71. Tel 02-713-0260/1. For more information, visit http://www.thawsischool.com.

Siam Saam Tri

Formerly known as Nue Noy kindergarten, the school was established in 1980. Siam Saam Tri, under the guidance of Phra Acharn Mitsuo Gavesako, the abbot of Wat Pah Sunantawanaram (a forest monastery in Kanchanaburi), has now extended to accept children from nursery age up to Pratom 6.

The school is located in Sukhumvit Soi 89/1, Phra Khanong district. Tel 02-311-6258/60. For more information, visit http://www.nue-noy.ac.th.

Jan Jao

Opened 22 years ago, this kindergarten that styles itself as a Buddhist brain-based learning school has received several awards, including one for being the country's only kindergarten that is a good example of a self-sufficient academic institute.

Jan Jao operates following the direction of the late reformist monk, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and the late Venerable Phra Panyanandha Bhikkhu. The school accepts children aged from 2 to 6 years at its nursery up to kindergarten year 3.

The school is situated in Nang Linchee Soi 6, off Sathon and Narathiwat Rachanakarin roads. Tel 02-286-3809 and 02-286-8355. For more information, visit http://www.janjao.ac.th.

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Prominent Buddhist-approach schools in Thailand

The Bangkok Post, Sept 12, 2008