Natural Building Thailand

 

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand Education Team has worked hard to design our Combined Natural Building Course, bringing together all the Key Disciplines of Adobe Natural Building under one Amazing Natural Building Course.

Our Natural Building Workshops in Thailand use the standard Natural Home Building Course as a good introduction to Adobe Natural Building, but in order to make Natural Building with Adobe come alive and utilize the tools it teaches, we have combined all the Traditional Adobe Natural Building Techniques with Modern SuperAdobe to let you learn and choose which method is best for your future Natural Home Building.

Natural Building will allow you to make the home of your dreams without the need to rely on a burdensome mortgage and the best part is that you can apply the skills you learn to every part of your life.

We are ready to teach you the skills to create the amazing and dynamic Permaculture farm of your dreams with a Natural Home Building, the wealth of knowledge that Rak Tamachat gives you will allow you to start on a new path with Natural Building, a path you will walk on for the rest of your LIFE!

We also give you lifetime access to the Online NBC on the Sustainable Agriculture Institutes Online Permaculture Learning Management SystemFree for Rak Students and worth 99 USD.

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand believes that teaching the Art of Natural Building with hands-on experiential learning techniques allows our Natural Building Students to learn by doing and getting their hands and feet dirty, letting them feel the materials they work with.

What could be better than working with Natural Materials and building with the earth beneath our feet?

Come learn the joys of working with clay today!

We understanding your Natural Building Course is a Life-Changing Event, so we are always happy to answer any questions you may have and would love to hear from you:

Natural Building Thailand – Course Offering Dates

 

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand is proud to offer Natural Building Workshops every month, as we believe Natural Building forms the basis of our Permacultural and Natural Living Lifestyle. Our 3-day Natural Building Workshops allow our students to learn the Art of Natural Building so that they may be able to use the life-empowering techniques to create the natural home of their dreams.

 

Please note: Natural Building Courses fill up fast due to early booking and

the 15 student limit per course!

Course Discounts For Citizens of South East Asia, Southern Asia, and Expats in Thailand

 

The Rak Tamachat Natural Building Institute Asia is proud to introduce the Permaculture Asia Course Discount, offering 20% discounts to all citizens of ASEAN countries, citizens of SAARC countries, and foreigners living in Thailand that hold a valid Non-Immigrant Visa O (proof of eligibility required).

If you are a citizen of an ASEAN country (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam), a citizen of a SAARC country (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka), or if you are a foreigner residing in Thailand with a Non-Immigrant O Visa (usually foreigners that are retired, married, parents of a child, studying or teaching at a governmental institution, or holding a work permit), you can benefit from this incredible opportunity and follow your sustainability journey at a lower cost.

You can find more information about our discount program HERE.

If you are eligible for the Permaculture Asia Course Discount, your Natural Building Course at Rak Tamachat Natural Building Institute Asia will be discounted at

Only 155 USD!

Furthermore, if you come with another student and share a bungalow togetheryou will benefit from an additional 5% discount!

If you are eligible, click the button below to make a discounted reservation:

Natural Building Thailand – Reserving Your Place On The Course

 

To reserve your place on a course at Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand, we ask for either a 100 USD reservation deposit or a payment in full.

Booking your place on a course can be made through PayPal (you do not need an account, PayPal accepts credit cards from most banking institutions) or through direct bank transfer.

You can pay using other currencies than US dollars, and PayPal will convert the exchange rates.

***Please note that Rak Tamachat limits its participants to 15 students per course, so securing your spot EARLY is recommended***

 

How To Reserve Your Place On The Course?

Click on any “Book Now” Button, and you will be redirected to the checkout page.

Select your Month of Attendance, add any additional student, children or guest that you are reserving for (if any).

By default, the “Pay Deposit” option is selected (you will only have to make a 100 USD deposit reservation and can pay the remainder of your bill on arrival at Rak Tamachat). If you wish to, you can click “Pay in Full” to pay for the course in its entirety. We recommend you familiarize yourself with our Refund and Rescheduling Policy by clicking on the following link: Refund and Rescheduling.

Then click on “Add to order“.

You will be prompted to fill in the checkout section of the page with your order information: name, email address, billing address, as well as an emergency contact name and email. The latter is required, as we need to be able to communicate with one of your relatives should you experience any health emergency – we will NOT use that information to spam your loved ones.

Then, select your Payment Method:

  • Direct Bank Transfer: after having clicked “Place Order“, you will be redirected to a page with all the information needed to make a bank transfer – when we receive the funds, we will send you a Reservation Confirmation by email.
  • PayPal: after having clicked “Place Order“, you will be redirected to a PayPal Checkout page where you will have the option to pay with your PayPal account or, if you do not have an account, with your credit card – most banks credit cards are accepted. The reservation is instantaneous, and you will receive a confirmation automatically.

 

That’s it: you successfully reserved your place on the course!

What you get for this All-Inclusive Price!

 

  • 3 Days of Hands-On Practical Natural Building sessions to show you all the sustainable techniques used in Natural Home Building (Adobe, SuperAdobe, Laying Adobe Bricks, Laying Earthbags, Making and applying Mortar, Plastering with Adobe and Plastering with Stucco);
  • Rak Tamachat’s on-campus Natural Building Certificate of completion;
  • FREE access to the Online NBC for 1 year;
  • Private Teak Bungalow accommodation (with mattress, bedding, mosquito net, fan and electric outlets);
  • Three Communal Meals per day, plus fruit snacks, teas, coffees all included;
  • Free High-speed Fiber Internet Access;
  • FREE lifetime access to the Rak Tamachat Reference Library (over 60 gigs of Permaculture and Natural Building);
  • Thai Cooking Experience with Khun Lin during Communal Meal Preparation;
  • Returning students will benefit from a 50% discount on doing the same course a second time, and are extended a 10% discount on any other Rak Tamachat course;
  • The course cost includes the first night-stay before the first course-day and the last night after the last course day.

Now Exclusive to All Rak Tamachat Natural Building Students:

Get 1 Year of Free Online Access to the Sustainable Agriculture Institute!!!

 

Online Permaculture Design Courses - Teaching SustainabilityWhen you sign up for an on-campus Natural Building Course at Rak Tamachat, we give you

1 year of free access to the Sustainable Agriculture Institute’s

online Practical Natural Building Course,

entirely Free!!!

Refresh and expand your knowledge with a Learning Management System that makes learning easy and flexible.

Not convinced? Visit the Sustainable Agriculture Institute and discover their online programs.

Try it out: sign-up for a free online Introduction to Permaculture Design here.

Natural Building Thailand – Explore Our Natural Building Course!

 

Our Permaculture Farm

Our 75 acres of Perennial Permaculture makes the Rak Tamachat Farm a true Garden of Eden. The farm was developed following a fully integrated Permaculture Master Plan that we use to guide our teachings, but we don’t just teach: we live out our teachings every day on our site!

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Our Sustainable Facilities

From your private teak bungalows and tropical showers to the compressed earth bricks classroom and communal sala, all our facilities were constructed using Natural Building Techniques. Designed for comfort and resiliency, they make Rak Tamachat a truly Sustainable Institute.

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Our Experienced Educators

At Rak Tamachat, we highly value Quality Education. As we feel it is important to offer our students the Best Learning Experience, we rely on a team of Qualified Educators that love to share their knowledge by providing world-class training, so that students have the ability to develop life-long skills.

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Our Detailed Course Schedules

Our courses have been specifically tailored and refined to give us the ability to provide our students with the most in-depth content in a condensed, diversified, and balanced way. What will you learn? For how long? How is the course structured? How are the days organized? Get the answers here!

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The Natural Building Curriculum

Our Natural Building Course condenses all the essential techniques related to Sustainable Construction. Whether you learn about Adobe brick-making, SuperAdobe earthbags-laying, or plastering techniques, this hands-on training will teach you all you need to know to build the Sustainable Home of Your Dreams!

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Overview Videos Of The Course

In order for you to get a taste of what we’re offering, we shared with you overview videos of our Natural Building Course: Adobe Brick-Making, Laying and Adobe Plastering, SuperAdobe earthbags laying and Stucco Plastering, as well as Compressed Earth Blocks. Watch the videos and catch a glimpse of what our intensive 3-day course has to offer!

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The Communal Cooking Experience

Students love the delicious food we prepare for them. Under the guidance of our own Thai Chef, the amazing Khun Lin, students also get to help with meal preparation and get to learn about traditional Thai cooking, as well as Thai/Western fusion recipes. At Rak Tamachat, Community rhymes with Gastronomy!

Rak Tamachat Former Students Testimonials

We do love our “permadise”, but some might think we’re biased… Then who better to convince you than our former students? Check out videos from past students and read some of the best-written testimonies we received in the last few years. For a teacher, success is realizing that they managed to impact their students for the better!

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The Permaculture Farm's Location

Where is our farm and how to get there? It’s pretty easy actually, and it’s all detailed in this section!

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What To Bring For Your Stay

In this section, we have listed all that you need to bring with you for your stay at Rak, to help you pack efficiently!

Other Important Information

Click below to learn more about all the essential information needed to help you plan your stay with us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we have listed the most common questions we get asked, and provided detailed answers.

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Natural Building Thailand – Our Permaculture Farm

 

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand is located in the heart of Thailand’s idyllic farmland. The 75 acres of corn farm purchased in 2010 have been holistically transformed throughout the years to become a Permaculture Paradise – or Permadise – and is now home to Asia’s most renowned Natural Building and Permaculture Design Institute.

More than 17,000 trees have been planted over the last 10 years and, following the guidelines of its own Permaculture Master Plan implementation, Rak Tamachat successfully transitioned to a Fully Integrated Farm, incorporating many Permaculture systems that allowed the farm to thrive to this day.

Aerial View of Rak Tamachat Permaculture Farm
Image of the Rak Tamachat Permaculture Gardens

Among many other features, when you come to Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand you will be able to see our sustainable systems in action: Permaculture Herb and Vegetable Garden, Thai Traditional Organic Garden, Permaponic Garden Beds, Long-Term and Short-Term Compost Areas, Sustainable Teaching and Living Facilities constructed with the help of Natural Building Techniques and Materials, Filtration Reed Beds, Water Harvesting Ponds, Vermiculture Farm, Broad-Scale Organic Farming, Holistic Goat Rearing, Free-Range Chicken Rearing…

We not only work and teach on the farm, but we also live in our permadise, and we hope you will learn to enjoy it as much as we do!

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Students enjoying the pond
Rak Tamachat Community enjoying a Fire Night

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Natural Building Thailand – Our Sustainable Facilities

You have to Love the Natural Building Facilities at Rak Tamachat: your stay during the course will be an amazing time, you will not only learn from top-notch teachers, but also have the added benefit of living in what some people have called a “Permasort“, Natural Building with love is what makes it all possible!

Your Private Teak Bungalows

The Natural Toilets & Showers

The Communal Sala at Rak Tamachat

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Khun Lin’s Communal Kitchen

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Natural Building Thailand – Our Experienced Educators

 

Our Educators are professionals in their fields and are fully certified to run Permaculture Design and Natural Building courses in an engaging and informative manner.

All of our Natural Building Educator Interns have their NBC’s and been practicing Natural Building for a few years and have the desire to put what they have learned to use at Rak Tamachat and also share it with our Natural Building students.

This is what makes Natural Building such a strong and inspiring movement and Rak Tamachat a special Natural Building Education Center.

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand is also extremely lucky to have our local Thai Natural Building Educators who share their vast knowledge of Tropical Natural building and the overall Thai Lifestyle.

Natural Building with Registered Engineer Beau Wickboldt

Beau is the Rak Tamachat Resident Engineer and Natural Builder, he is also the founder of Rak Tamachat were he lives full time with his Thai family. He has a passion for all things related to Natural Building and works every day to share his Natural Building Talents with others. After answering everyone’s questions he can be found teaching, sharing, mentoring, or working on the Natural Building site. He also has a fetish for planting trees, over 17,000 so far at Rak. He is fondly referred to as the Head Hippie in Charge! Sharing is caring and Beau Loves to share a beer and discuss the world, after a good day of work on the Natural Building site!

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Natural Building with Professional Builder Ajarn Luang Deet

We are incredibly lucky to have Ajarn (Thai for Teacher) Luang Deet on the Rak Team. He is the most well rounded Permaculturist and Sustainable Natural Home Builder we have. He can truly do it all! From being a machine in the Garden to leading the building of our wonderful Natural Buildings. And all the while having the best smile and attitude. Learning from a True Thai Farmer is what learning in Thailand is all about! Thai people still have not lost the knowledge nor the skills to build their own homes with their hands. Come and learn all about what makes Thai Natural Building so popular from one of the best Natural Builders around!

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Natural Building Thailand – Our Detailed Course Schedules

At Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand, we take our Natural Building Education Institute Experience seriously, as such we have a detailed course schedule and curriculum.

While learning to build naturally is a Skill, having fun doing it is an Art Form. We make work into play and you will leave wondering why work is described as hard!

Course Arrival Day

The course is held over 3 days. The arrival day is not counted as a course teaching day. Most of our students arrive after lunch on the arrival day. This allows them to check-in and complete registration, get settled into their Bungalow, take a shower or swim in the pond, and be refreshed for dinner.

Please note that the first day of the course begins on Day 1 at 8:00 AM.

Please do not arrive any later than 6:00 pm on the arrival day, as dinner is served at 7:00 pm. 

Course Departure Day

Departure is between 8:00 and 11:00 am the morning after the last day of the course.

Or you could also stay and take part in our Permaculture Design Course PDC. It’s a great addition to a Natural Building Course, you can learn more about our Combined Natural Building and PDC and even save some money booking together!

Schedule for the Natural Building Course at Rak Tamachat

Please note:

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand reserves the right to change the schedule’s order to adapt to seasonal variations,

materials and staff availability, or students’ needs.

 Nevertheless, be assured that all lesson contents mentioned in the above schedule will be covered. 

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Natural Building Thailand – Natural Building Curriculum

 

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand is committed to teaching Natural Building with real-world practical building and construction skills. Through engaged participatory exercises, we teach our students the skills they need to be able to build all the elements of a complete home.

During the course, we will touch on every major topic in the typical house building process from ideas, strategies, and techniques for the successful construction of a home.

Natural Building is an ever-expanding field of knowledge and our Educators work hard to bring the latest Natural Building Techniques to all our courses.

 

A Four-in-One Natural Building Methods Course

Traditional Adobe Techniques

Learn ancestral techniques and use the earth beneath your feet to build Beautiful, Natural, and Non-toxic homes. With Adobe Building, you can build your house and stay out of the debt that shackles so many to the consumer system!

SuperAdobe - Stabilized Earth Bags

Learn how to make Stabilized Earth and to utilize the earthbag/tube technique to make structural buildings or domes. Resilient and flexible, stabilized earth is a good choice for building in areas with earthquakes, typhoons, floods, etc.

Adobe & Stucco Plastering

Learning to use your hands and small trowels to apply a protective coating to your adobe and superadobe walls. Learn how to get the smooth finish and color you want, whether you use Adobe or Stucco to plaster for internal and external walls.

Compressed Earth Blocks CEB's

Learn how to make Compressed Earth Blocks using a small village scale system. It allows for a standardized brick to be made. This new natural building system makes the process of constructing a house easy.

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Natural Building Thailand – Videos of our Natural Building Course

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Natural Building Thailand – Communal Cooking Experience

 

At Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand, we believe in the Power of Community. Beau often says “many hands make light work” and, with many hands in a kitchen, you can actually turn a chore into an enjoyable experience for everyone!

We are truly blessed to have our own inhouse Thai Chef, Khun Lin, who prepares delicious traditional Thai meals, but also masters fusion cooking of Asian and Western gastronomy. Thanks to Khun Lin, not only will you eat succulent dishes, but you will also have the ability to learn a lot about Asian and Thai cooking, as she loves to share tricks of the trade with those interested in developing their cooking skills.

 

Experience Community Living and Develop Your Flavor Palette!

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Image of Khun LIn Thai Chef on Hot Pot Night

Communal Participation

At Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand, we like to support the values of participation, cooperation, and load sharing: when everyone lends a hand, life gets easier!

During your stay, you will need to help with kitchen duties for lunch and dinner on designated days: we organize a rotation of helpers on a big whiteboard in the kitchen. That way, everyone gets to help, and everyone is included in the community.

Sometimes, certain students are eager to learn more about Thai cooking under Khun Lin’s guidance, and they can be found at every meal in the kitchen: you are more than welcome to do so – the more, the merrier! Doing so is like getting a private Thai cooking course, which is a very nice bonus to this already very rich experience!

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Breakfasts

Throughout the years, we came to understand that, in the morning, people have very diverse needs. Therefore, instead of cooking copious meals only to end up throwing away food, we let people cook their own breakfasts.

We usually have eggs, cereals, fruits, and vegetables available – some also like to go for the previous dinner’s leftovers – and sometimes Lin delights us with some homemade bread or biscuits.

In any case, the kitchen is always open, and you can help yourself with whatever you can get your hands on. So, as long as you don’t waste food, go wild!

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Mango sticky rice for breakfast at Rak Tamachat

Special Meals Nights

At Rak Tamachat, every meal prepared by Khun Lin is a delight. And it gets especially delightful when she organizes the Special Meal Nights during the PDC course – meals that give true meaning to Community Living. On the menu: Hot Pot (Thai Barbecue), Thai Noodle Soup, Burger Night, Western Barbecue, and our students’ favorite: Pizza Night!  Whether you’re a vegan, a vegetarian, or an omnivore, we can assure you: you will feast, not fast!

Hot Pot Night at Rak Tamachat
Pizza Night at Rak Tamachat
Hot Pot Night at Rak Tamachat
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Natural Building Thailand – Rak Tamachat Former Students Testimonials

 

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand held its first official Permaculture and Natural Building Course in 2012. Since then, the Permaculture Design and Natural Building Institute has certified hundreds of students from all over the world.

We feel privileged to have had the opportunity of meeting so many interesting and engaged individuals, and lucky to have developed amazing friendships over the years.

Click on the videos below to watch testimonials made by some of Rak Tamachat’s former students.

Here is a video made in 2019 by our friend Xavier, a student who loved his experience so much he wanted to give an overview of his journey at Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand!

YouTube video

By clicking on the button below, you can also read written testimonials from students who shared with us how much they appreciated their time at Rak Tamachat:

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Natural Building Thailand – Our Permaculture Farm’s Location

 

Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand is located in the heart of Thailand’s farmland: the Northeastern region of Isaan.

We’re just 25 kilometers away from the closest city, Sikhiu, and 45 kilometers away from Thailand’s second most populated city: Nakhon Ratchasima.

Only 3.5 hours away from Bangkok, you can get to Rak Tamachat easily by car, motorcycle, taxi, or taking advantage of the cheap and reliable transportation options that are regional buses and trains.

To get all the details on how to come to Rak Tamachat, click the button below:

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Natural Building Thailand – What To Bring For Your Stay

 

We understand that many of our students are traveling from other countries. Some have been traveling for a long time, some are seasoned backpackers, for others, it is the first visit to a non-western country.

In order to help you pack as efficiently as you can (no one likes to carry around too-heavy luggage when it is not required), we recommend that you take a look at our “What To Bring Page“.

On that page, we compiled a list of the essential things you need to bring for a stay at Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand, as well as items that you might enjoy bringing with you.

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Natural Building Thailand – Important Information

 

Here are some of the things we thought you should know and be made aware of in order to prepare your stay with us at Rak Tamachat Natural Building Thailand.

 

Safety & Security

Thailand is a very safe country – one of the safest countries for traveling in Asia!

But, like anywhere, theft does happen (mostly in touristic cities, though). As a rule of thumb, keep your personal belongings close to you and do not flaunt your camera, money, personal computer, phone, etc.

The same precaution you would take traveling in your own country!

 

Travel Insurance

It is recommended that all travelers carry some sort of traveler’s insurance when traveling to Southeast Asia.

 

Money and Currencies

If you made a reservation deposit, your remaining payment can be made in cash on check-in at Rak Tamachat, in either US Dollars or Thai Baht (exchanged at the prevailing rate on the day of check-in).

As a second method of payment, you can pay your balance with PayPal.  However, please note that if you choose to pay the balance by PayPal you will have an additional cost of 5% to cover the transaction fee, which is an additional cost applied by PayPal which Rak Tamachat has no control over.

We recommend that you come to the farm with cash (USD or Thai Baht). The easiest way is to exchange money is at the Airport. Please note that the closest ATM to the farm is in Sikhiu, a 30-minute ride with a motorbike taxi. If you arrive at the farm without money (Thai Baht) and cannot make a PayPal transfer you will have to pay for the return ride to Sikhiu which is 300 Baht each way. Also, note that some banks will not allow you to withdrawal large amounts on your ATM card. The usual daily withdrawal limit at an ATM is 20,000 THB (plus transaction fees).

Honestly, we recommend you save a little money and come to the farm with cash (Thai Baht) which you exchange at the airport.  It is truly the easiest way to pay!

For current exchange rates, you can check out: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Also please note that, In Thailand, it is not advised to use traveler’s checks, as many places – including us – do not accept them. Larger places will take credit cards, but cash is the preferred method.

Travel with what you feel most comfortable carrying!

 

Internet Availability

We have a good fiber internet wifi connection at Rak Tamachat. This is an extremely valuable luxury resource. We encourage people to reach out to their loved ones to let them know you are safe and sound, though we also encourage limited use of the internet to not overload your already stimulated senses.

The internet connection is available for free in the communal sala, but it is shared, so we ask our students to be mindful and not overload the bandwidth by downloading heavy files such as movies, in order for everyone to be able to enjoy access to a decent wifi connection when they need to!

You are welcome to bring your own device (phones, tablets other WIFI capable devices will work on our system) and we can provide you with a safe place to keep them if you need to.

In Thailand, you will find free wifi access almost everywhere (coffee shops, bars, restaurants, etc.), but if you desire to procure yourself a SIM card for your stay, we recommend you purchase one from either AIS or True Mobile. Those are the two best companies in terms of reliability and network coverage. If you want to save time, you can purchase SIM cards at the airport on arrival, but it might be cheaper to get one at a convenience store later on (7Eleven, Family Mart, etc.).

 

Water

Rak Tamachat has one 60-meters well in addition to an extensive rain harvesting system.  This system will be discussed in greater detail upon arrival.

Our well water is potable, but we also provide filtered water for your needs.

 

Health Matters

Thailand does not have malaria, you will not need a malaria vaccine. There are occasional bouts of Dengue Fever, which is like a very bad flu throughout Southeast Asia. However, in the 8 years at Rak Tamachat, we have not had any cases.

We will be working with an array of tools so we recommend having your tetanus vaccine up to date. Thailand has an amazing medical system and there is a clinic in the next village five kilometers from Rak Tamachat and a hospital about half an hour away in case of emergencies.

 

Emergency Contact

Please let us know immediately about any health conditions, allergies, and other information that may be useful for us to make your stay the best possible at Rak Tamachat. We also recommend you share with us any emergency contact information (email and/or phone number) on your reservation check out form, that way we’ll be equipped should anything happen (which rarely does, but it’s better to be safe than sorry).

Also, we recommend you let your loved ones know this: in case of emergencies, your loved ones may contact you by calling the international accessible farm phones listed on our Contact Us page.

 

Exit Tax

Thailand has no Exit Tax at the airport or border crossings.  However, overstay on your visa is 500 Thai Baht per day up to a maximum of 20,000!!

 

Passport & Visa Information

Visit our very detailed page on Passports and Visas by clicking on the link below:

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Natural Building Thailand – Frequently Asked Questions

 

 Before you make a life-changing decision about where and who to take your course with, please read the following list of questions you need to ask yourself:

 

What should I consider when selecting a course?

Make sure you know what you’re going to get for your hard-earned money. An informed choice is always the best choice. Permaculture teaches the Principles of Good Design and the value of doing your homework. Researching the facts is what Good Design and Good Permaculture are all about. Start right on your Natural Building Path by selecting the best course for you!

 

What can I do to Prepare for the Course?

This course is intended for:

1) The beginners – who may have just heard about Natural Building for the first time, as well as for;

2) Those with some experience, who may be practicing Natural Building already, but are interested in learning more on the theoretical framework behind it. You are not expected to have any specific knowledge or skills upon arrival.

We do think it is helpful to start thinking about building efficiency and sustainable construction in advance. Read!  Find a book about ethical design, sustainable materials, integrated systems, solution-based exploration of our world’s problems, etc. Any of these subjects will provide you with some context prior to the lessons of the course.

 

Do I Get Continuing Support Following My Graduation?

Our Students matter to us so we strive to offer lasting support. Students who complete a course with Rak Tamachat are invited to become part of Rak Tamachat’s growing network of graduates. There are three ways we work to support our students:

  1. Graduates of the PDC may audit any future 72-hour certification courses for half-price (provided space is available). Our objective is to support our students for as long as they need it or want it, and to encourage them to support each other.
  2. Graduates of a Rak Tamachat course will receive a 10% discount on any additional (different) courses with Rak Tamachat.
  3. Graduates may email to request instructions or advice on any of their future projects from our instructors. We are always here to help our students.

 

Other Frequently Asked Questions: 

Are fruit snacks / coffee inclusive in the course cost?

Yes. Is there any other way?

The kitchen is always open, so you can he;lp yourself at any time with available fruits, nuts, or veggies. Also, we have a selection of teas (or you can make your own with fresh herbs from the garden), some locally-sourced organic coffee, and filtered water to help quench your thirst!

Does the Education Center cater to dietary needs?
Our lifestyle values diversity and personal choices and our kitchen reflects this.

We have Raw-food, vegetarian, vegans and gluten-intolerant people as guests all the time; we strive to accommodate food sensitivities, however you should inform us about your dietary needs and we may advise that you bring specialty snacks as we live far away from any major cities and we may not have access to certain food items.

What accommodation is provided in the course price?

At Rak Tamachat we understand the “value of a good night sleep” and we are consciously focused on providing a high standard of natural living for our students and residents. People don’t call us a “Permasort” for nothing

Rak Tamachat’s courses included a stay in one of our Teak Bungalows. Our bungalows are situated in a beautiful forest garden setting, on the edge of a pond, nestled under bamboo stands bordering our fruit orchard.

In the tropics hygiene is important. We have designed fully functional, “Bali Style” open-air toilets and showers.

There are Birds of Paradise right in the shower!!

On Rak Tamachat’s Tree of Life, you can see one of the key Permaculture Principles is integrate not segregate.

When you come to stay at Rak Tamachat you will live in the same bungalows that our Residents stay in as well.

Will there be internet access?

At Rak Tamachat we understand the need to interact online with friends and family while abroad and value the ability to access the internet.

We have full and reliably fast fiber internet with free wifi capabilities in our communal Sala.

You can skype home anytime you want. We don’t mind.

What is the classroom like and maximum class size?

At Rak Taamchat, our Natural Building Course is a fully hands-on experiential training, therefore we do not use the classroom.

We feel 15 students is the upper limit for providing a good student-teacher ratio and delivering a student-centered approach to learning. We have to also allow for places for our returning students on the “Pay It Forward Program“.

We feel this allows the teacher and all the students to get the valuable face-time together needed to transfer knowledge and maintain a more personal teacher-student relationship so essential in learning.

What teaching styles do the Educators employ to facilitate learning?

At Rak Tamachat we engage our students in an adult-oriented, interactively-based curriculum, open-forum learning environment.

Our Outdoor Hands-on Practical Course sites are equipped to give the best education possible in a relaxed environment.

We are never short on space, tools, or equipment and our founder prides himself on his large “toolbox“.

Without tools, Building is just a dream. Rak Tamachat makes dreams a reality!

Does your Education Institute allow us to copy its Permaculture Design and Natural Building Database?

Rak Tamachat believes in open source and free share.

We have a database with a plethora of Natural Building and Permaculture Materials – books, documentaries, podcasts, articles, pictures, research papers, etc. We recommend bringing a portable hard disk with at least a Terabyte if you want it all.

We want to share with you and give you all the resources so you can continue learning after graduating from Rak Tamachat.

Are there areas that provide for a diverse social atmosphere?

The residents of Rak Tamachat enjoy our lifestyle.

We work hard to create a variety of areas to relax, socialize, swim, meditate, do yoga, exercise, go for a walk, enjoy a sunset or hang out with the locals.

Did we mention we have 75 acres to wander around?

Natural Building Thailand – Contact Us

 

You still have unanswered questions? Don’t worry, we’re always available and love to help!
Click the button below to contact us by email, and it will be our pleasure to answer your questions, concerns, or needs for additional information as soon as we can.

 

Rak On!