Thailand Archives

Since the 2002 collaboration between Kleiwerks International (USA), Spirit in Education Movement (Thailand), and Wongsanit Ashram (Thailand), earthen building has spread to many thousands. A small group of dedicated activists, The 'Baan Din Team' ('Earth House Team'), emerged from these early trainings. They continue with non-stop building and teaching in all regions of both Thailand, and neighboring countries.

If you are interested in working with a widespread people's movement of villagers, grassroots activists, students, artists, architects, and others, there are a number of exciting projects to get involved with. On the building site materials and techniques include adobe, wattle and daub, cob, earthen plasters and paints, bamboo, thatch, stone and other readily available indigenous materials. Both Natural Building and permaculture trainings are ongoing. There are also Interfaith Solidarity Forest Walks, organized by the Hilltribe People of Northern Thailand and Spirit in Education Movement. Between projects there is opportunity to make side trips, visiting different regions of Thailand, including national parks, meditation retreat centers, Thai massage and cooking schools, islands, cities and village communities. For more information about upcoming projects click here.

The following information is archived from past years of working in Thailand. Click on any of the following for details and photographs.

10-Day Workshops - Natural Building & Sustainable Living
In support of Pun Pun Sustainable Learning Center & Seed-Saving Community. 
Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand (at Ban Mea Jo)
Co-Facilitators: Janell Kapoor (November & December only), Jon Jandai, Peggy Reents, Ratchabodin "Dai" Boonchaiyo, and special guests.
December 3-13, 2004 
January 7-17, 2005
February 4-14, 2005
March 4-14, 2005

4 week Exploration of Permaculture, Natural Building & Sustainable Ways of Living in Thailand
January 25th- February 22nd 2005


Seed-saving Center and Sustainable Community
The first dwellings at a sustainable learning center and seed-saving bank.
near Chiang Mai, at Ban Mea Jo, North
February 13-27, 2004


The Whispering Seed
Thailand's first Permaculture Certification Course, design and build a sustainable center for orphaned children in Northern Thailand.
Phitsanulok, Central
November 6- December 18, 2003


Wongsanit Ashram
The first earthen building workshop in Thailand with representatives from various NGO's and activists groups -AND- more since then.
1 hour north of Bangkok, Central.
January 9-14, 2003


Jon's Organic Farm
The second earthen building workshop in Thailand leads to the formation of 'The Baan Din Team,' the country's Natural Building pioneers.
Sritan Village, Yasathon; 8 hours east of Bangkok, Northeast
January 16-25, 2003


Santi Asoka Community
A Buddhist network of self-reliant centers that trains thousands of farmers throughout Thailand how to get out of debt, and live harmoniously with eachother and nature.
Chaiyaphum and Nong Bua Lampoo, near Mekong River, Northeast
December 14-28, 2002


Chiang Mai University Craft Museum
Designed and led by students and professors, the first earthen building in the city of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai, North
December 2-11, 2002


Thailand's First Earthen Village
In support of the 'Mun Yuen Community,' members of The Assembly of the Poor- a model of sustainability built by displaced villagers and 500 friends.
Chaiyapoom Province, Thep Sathit District, Northeast
about 5 hours north of Bangkok
November 1-30, 2002


Nun's Sanctuary
Bangkok
March, 2002


Interfaith Solidarity Forest Walks: In Support of the Hilltribe People of Northern Thailand
Near Chiang Mai, North
Annual walks twice a year since 1995


Global Community Gathering and International Children's Festival
Moo Baan Dek, 5 hours north of Bangkok, North
Annual in February

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