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Phra Farang: An English Monk in Thailand
At forty-five, successful businessman Peter Robinson gave up his comfortable life in London to ordain as a Buddhist monk in Bangkok. But the new path he had chosen was not always as easy or as straightforward as he hoped it would be.In this truly extraordinary memoir, Phra Peter Pannapadipo describes his ten-year metamorphosis into a practicing Buddhist monk, while being initiated into the intricacies of an unfamiliar Southeast Asian culture.Phra Peter tells his story with compassion, humour and unflinching honesty. It's the story of a 'Phra Farang' - a foreign monk - living and practicing his faith in an exotic and intriguing land.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 7, 2019
Looked forward to reading this book. It fell short of disappointing, however although interesting there was not enough content. More of a long diary.
December 3, 2008
It's been a while since I read this but I still remember enjoying it after chancing upon it at the old Bangkok airport. While he writes from the perspective of a foreiger who becomes a Buddhist monk in Thailand, many of the observations are of local Thai culture in general. Very interesting if you have spent any time in Thailand either working or as a tourist. He has since written a few other noteworthy books including a brilliant one called "Little angels" about the young monks who often occupy the monasteries in droves where they come from, and why they live in monasteries. I'm not sure how widely available this book is now (I see it has been republished in 2005), but if you happen to be in Thailand, you will most likely find it at Asia Books.
March 19, 2013
Amazing book! I would recommend it to everybody who is visiting or planning to visit Thailand. Author gives a short introduction to Buddhism and describes the way Thai monks live their life. He alone used to be a monk so his stories are from first hand. I was reading this during my vacation in Thailand and couldn't stop reading! The book makes you understand more about monks and Thai Buddhism. On top of that it is very well written and the money from it goes to Student Education Trust that helps poor young Thai to get higher education.
August 2, 2015
Very straightforward depiction of life in a rural monastery in Thailand through the eyes of a British man who ordained as a buddhist monk. He is a good writer, a humble, honest person who depicts his blunders and challenges without ego and his genuine strivings as a monk plus the parts of a Thai monk's life that he couldn't quite embrace but came to understand and be at peace with. Very approachable writing. I loved the inside understanding of this part of Thai culture and would recommend it to anyone interested in Thailand's untouristed part and/or Thai buddhism.
January 5, 2026
This book provides a captivating and comprehensive account of the life of an English monk in Thailand over a span of five years. It delves into various aspects of the religious and practical life, offering fascinating insights into the country’s geography, culture, and history. The author’s observations about being a monk are both enlightening and thought-provoking, shedding light on the challenges and hardships faced by monks.
One particularly striking moment occurs when a fellow monk abuses an animal. This incident triggers a profound transformation in the monk, leading him to a state of righteousness and anger. He lashes out at the monk, resulting in embarrassment and shame for losing his temper. This experience profoundly impacts him and ultimately changes his path.
In the realm of yoga, there are numerous branches and paths that lead to enlightenment or liberation from the cycle of suffering. The monk’s outburst can be seen as a metaphorical departure from the monk order and a transition into the realm of raja yogi, a practitioner who embraces and utilizes various paths to attain spiritual growth.
The monk engages in meditation on dualism, death, single-pointed concentration, and education. Eventually, he leaves the monk order to establish the SET foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to providing higher education to Thai students. This decision signifies his continued commitment to the monkhood, albeit without adhering to the traditional structure.
It’s evident that the monk’s journey is not one of complete assimilation. His limited commitment to learning the Thai language suggests that he may never fully integrate into Thai society as a monk. While he expresses a desire to remain a monk in Thailand indefinitely, it seems that this commitment is contingent upon his personal growth and transformation.
While I cannot delve into the inner state of a monk who has dedicated years to cultivating inner awareness, I can offer this observation. It’s important to recognize that the path to enlightenment is a deeply personal and subjective journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Overall this is a beautifully human look into the life of a monk who bravely shows us himself as he is in a way few are able to. His inner work shrouds him in a light of clarity curiosity and kindness in a way that will surely move any reader.
My only qualms are that the pacing is slow at times (imagine that) and that I wish I had a map or some pictures of these remote areas in Thailand!
One particularly striking moment occurs when a fellow monk abuses an animal. This incident triggers a profound transformation in the monk, leading him to a state of righteousness and anger. He lashes out at the monk, resulting in embarrassment and shame for losing his temper. This experience profoundly impacts him and ultimately changes his path.
In the realm of yoga, there are numerous branches and paths that lead to enlightenment or liberation from the cycle of suffering. The monk’s outburst can be seen as a metaphorical departure from the monk order and a transition into the realm of raja yogi, a practitioner who embraces and utilizes various paths to attain spiritual growth.
The monk engages in meditation on dualism, death, single-pointed concentration, and education. Eventually, he leaves the monk order to establish the SET foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to providing higher education to Thai students. This decision signifies his continued commitment to the monkhood, albeit without adhering to the traditional structure.
It’s evident that the monk’s journey is not one of complete assimilation. His limited commitment to learning the Thai language suggests that he may never fully integrate into Thai society as a monk. While he expresses a desire to remain a monk in Thailand indefinitely, it seems that this commitment is contingent upon his personal growth and transformation.
While I cannot delve into the inner state of a monk who has dedicated years to cultivating inner awareness, I can offer this observation. It’s important to recognize that the path to enlightenment is a deeply personal and subjective journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Overall this is a beautifully human look into the life of a monk who bravely shows us himself as he is in a way few are able to. His inner work shrouds him in a light of clarity curiosity and kindness in a way that will surely move any reader.
My only qualms are that the pacing is slow at times (imagine that) and that I wish I had a map or some pictures of these remote areas in Thailand!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2025
A delightful read - a book you cannot put down. It introduces one to the world of Buddhist monks in Thailand, their day-to-day life, the rituals they perform for the common people, the hierarchy in the Sangha, the functioning of the monasteries, and the various challenges (expectations vs. reality) of transitioning from the life of a businessman in London to a full-time monk in Thailand. I especially found it fascinating how similar some of the rituals conducted by Buddhist monks are to those done by Hindu priests. A chapter on the types of meditations (methods, depth, experiences, etc.) could have made this thoroughly enjoyable book even richer. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the 'religion' Buddhism has become in Thailand vis-à-vis the original teachings of the Buddha.
July 19, 2019
Former successful businessman Peter Robinson writes about his how his life changes forever after he decides to become a Buddhist monk who goes on to train and practice the Buddha's way of life in Thailand.
I personally thought the narrative is badly thought out, lacks chronology and exhibits flaws which could have been avoided through proper literary revision. It reads like a diary that readers will find scattered in content and almost boring in narration... Although Phra Farang tries to be insightful and appealing with anecdotes and situations only a Westerner would face in completely different way of life, far away from his London home in Thailand, but it remains to be a read which should not have exceeded the 200 pages mark in terms of sunstance.
I personally thought the narrative is badly thought out, lacks chronology and exhibits flaws which could have been avoided through proper literary revision. It reads like a diary that readers will find scattered in content and almost boring in narration... Although Phra Farang tries to be insightful and appealing with anecdotes and situations only a Westerner would face in completely different way of life, far away from his London home in Thailand, but it remains to be a read which should not have exceeded the 200 pages mark in terms of sunstance.
April 7, 2025
I I read this book during my trip to Thailand and it was exciting to visit the temples mentioned in the book. It also helped me understand and respect traditions more.
Although I’m not religious, I follow many Buddhist traditions as my spiritual strength. It was enriching to learn about the mundane side of monks and how challenging it is to follow a belief.
My favorite quote is not only from the book but from Buddhism, it’s mentioned on page 145: “… clinging, attachment, and craving of various kinds leads only to mental suffering.”
Although I’m not religious, I follow many Buddhist traditions as my spiritual strength. It was enriching to learn about the mundane side of monks and how challenging it is to follow a belief.
My favorite quote is not only from the book but from Buddhism, it’s mentioned on page 145: “… clinging, attachment, and craving of various kinds leads only to mental suffering.”
February 2, 2018
Memories of an English Monk's experiences in Thailand
February 2, 2019
A good view from the inside of the Thai buddhism. However, the book didn't cover as much about how to meditate and the contrasts with the Western World.
April 1, 2019
Most interesting for the amusing anecdotes about the double culture shock of entering monastic life and an unfamiliar asian culture.
March 20, 2021
Refreshingly honest account of a farang monk in Thailand.
April 27, 2022
I liked this book.
The writing wasn't the best but his perspective was really interesting.
The writing wasn't the best but his perspective was really interesting.
November 28, 2015
Be not led by the authority of religious texts, not by the delight in speculative opinions, nor by seeming possibilities, not by the idea: 'this is our teacher'
Who is whispering midlife crises when a successful British businessman of forty is turning into a Buddhist monk in Thailand?
No that would me much too easy and would do short to Peters honest account of his life as a Buddhist monk. Alto he does not tell us much about his personal reasons to become a monk. For the first half of the book this kept me puzzled. Therefore the first two hundred pages of his book were just another interesting read where I was not personally involved.
This changes after chapter nineteen where he begins to express his doubts. Doubts about his personal motives, doubts about the Thai way of Buddhism, doubts about how far his experience and experiments with meditation should go. Much to far I should say, when it leads to meditation in the still warm ovens of a crematorium.
During my short stay at a forest monastery in Thailand I also saw some examples of this focus on death. In the temple were we meditated there always was a skeleton on display with next to it a photo of a young woman and a fetus in alcohol. I think there must be better ways to realize that we are not above aging, alto taking it at heart is for sure not an easy thing. Ways much more according to the path of the middle, which for me is a very central thought in the Buddhist teachings.
Actually I was relieved to read that Peter started a charity organization to help Thai students – www.thaistudentcharity.org – After being a monk for ten years the success of this organization even leads to Peter disrobing, cease being a monk.
Thereby showing an essential understanding of Buddhism, which is about leading a good life, in whatever form this may take.
So a good read, especially the second half, about an interesting decade as monk. I am interested in the next decade.
“Yes, Kālāmas, it is proper that your have doubt, that you have perplexity, for a doubt has arisen in a matter which is doubtful. Now, look you Kālāmas, do not be led by reports, or traditions, or hearsay. Be not led by the authority of religious texts, not by the delight in speculative opinions, nor by seeming possibilities, not by the idea: 'this is our teacher'. But, O Kālāmas, when you know for yourself that certain things are unwholesome, and wrong, and bad, then give them up... And when you know for yourself that certain things are wholesome and good, then accept them and follow them.”
Gautama Buddha
Who is whispering midlife crises when a successful British businessman of forty is turning into a Buddhist monk in Thailand?
No that would me much too easy and would do short to Peters honest account of his life as a Buddhist monk. Alto he does not tell us much about his personal reasons to become a monk. For the first half of the book this kept me puzzled. Therefore the first two hundred pages of his book were just another interesting read where I was not personally involved.
This changes after chapter nineteen where he begins to express his doubts. Doubts about his personal motives, doubts about the Thai way of Buddhism, doubts about how far his experience and experiments with meditation should go. Much to far I should say, when it leads to meditation in the still warm ovens of a crematorium.
During my short stay at a forest monastery in Thailand I also saw some examples of this focus on death. In the temple were we meditated there always was a skeleton on display with next to it a photo of a young woman and a fetus in alcohol. I think there must be better ways to realize that we are not above aging, alto taking it at heart is for sure not an easy thing. Ways much more according to the path of the middle, which for me is a very central thought in the Buddhist teachings.
Actually I was relieved to read that Peter started a charity organization to help Thai students – www.thaistudentcharity.org – After being a monk for ten years the success of this organization even leads to Peter disrobing, cease being a monk.
Thereby showing an essential understanding of Buddhism, which is about leading a good life, in whatever form this may take.
So a good read, especially the second half, about an interesting decade as monk. I am interested in the next decade.
“Yes, Kālāmas, it is proper that your have doubt, that you have perplexity, for a doubt has arisen in a matter which is doubtful. Now, look you Kālāmas, do not be led by reports, or traditions, or hearsay. Be not led by the authority of religious texts, not by the delight in speculative opinions, nor by seeming possibilities, not by the idea: 'this is our teacher'. But, O Kālāmas, when you know for yourself that certain things are unwholesome, and wrong, and bad, then give them up... And when you know for yourself that certain things are wholesome and good, then accept them and follow them.”
Gautama Buddha
August 8, 2019
My wife and I picked this little volume up in an alley in Bangkok. I wanted to delve deeper into Thai culture and customs and also to understand more about the unique influences it has had on Thai Buddhism. Phra Peter does an excellent job of recounting the cultural differences between the west and thailand and also really explores the influence of animism and Bhraminism and Hinduism. I really enjoyed this book as it was part memoir, part travelogue and part spiritual awakening for me. I intend to read more of the now disrobed writer’s works and when I can contribute to the SET fund that he has so compassionately dedicated his life to.
May 20, 2010
This is an interesting book that Peter Robinson wrote about his experience as a Buddhist monk. I was originally hoping for a bit of insight on how it was to be living in Thailand as he was a monk, but it was more of how he responded to his religious experience as he lived through the experience and what he felf as he ...developed his mental Budhist knowledge. Phra Farang is well written, reads well and I enjoyed it as a religious learning book not so much as a travel novel. Recommended for those interested in Buddhism not travel to Thailand.
November 2, 2015
In this memoir describing experiences of a London business who becomes a Buddhist monk living in Thailand, there are vivid descriptions of aspects of Thai culture. I read this book while traveling in Thailand, and it brought me an understanding of the culture that I otherwise would have missed. The gradual evolution of the author's view on religion, specifically Buddhism, is interesting. Overall, however, this book is a bit slow and had it not been for the remarkable insights that it provided as I traveled Thailand, I may not have stuck it out to the end of the book.
July 3, 2016
This book has a lot of detail about a personal experience of a London businessman traveling to Thailand to become a monk. Don't read this expecting to learn everything about Buddhism, read this instead to get an experience of one particular case of someone transforming into a monk. You'll learn a bit about the practice, but you'll learn more about Peter. There are funny parts, serious parts, and parts where you'll think it drags on a bit. It's all very real though and well written.
October 10, 2008
Many travelers to Thailand see the monks and wonder what it is like to live as one. Peter Pannapadipo, an Englishman, decided to do it. Often hilarious, sometimes sad, sometimes frustrating account of Phra Farang's (Brother Foreigner) struggle for enlightenment. A very honest and forthright book.
June 25, 2012
Must Read: 5
Kept Attention: 5
Well-Written: 5
Meaningful: 5
Accessible: 5
A good account that makes understandable why some follow a monastic life, without romanticizing it. Having been there myself (Orthodox and Anglican), I appreciate that it says so well what is often difficult to explain to others.
First read: June 12, 2011
Kept Attention: 5
Well-Written: 5
Meaningful: 5
Accessible: 5
A good account that makes understandable why some follow a monastic life, without romanticizing it. Having been there myself (Orthodox and Anglican), I appreciate that it says so well what is often difficult to explain to others.
First read: June 12, 2011
August 25, 2012
Excellent book that highlights not only the religious culture of Thailand but also emphasises many social aspects of the country in great detail, a worthwhile read before embarking on a trip to Thailand.
June 2, 2016
Surprisingly enjoyable novel about thai buddhism, even though it was somewhat difficult to comprehend every now and again. It was nice to read about all the cultural mishaps Phra Peter experienced as a monk.
July 31, 2011
good insight into Thai Buddhism from a foreigners point of view - wasn't so much about Buddhism as about him becoming a monk but an interesting read non the less
October 14, 2013
Chapter 30 (the last chapter before the afterword) was wonderful. Interesting account for anyone's thinking about ordaining as a monk.
January 27, 2014
An interesting read if you are in Thailand visiting wats. Good insight into the life of monks.
March 9, 2015
Absolutely loved this book!!I was fascinated by his experience and life. One of those books that you feel gutted when you finish it. Now plan to read his other book 'Little Angels'. :-)
March 21, 2016
Pretty good. There are a few sections that really stand out, but mainly it was ok.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews