What is the Gold Coast Thai Temple?
The Gold Coast Thai Temple is a public place of worship open to the general public. Wat Sangharatanaram Inc., was established in 2007. Monks and facilities are provided for daily conduct of chanting, meditation, Dhamma talks and receiving offerings for merit-making of individuals and families. All monks and lay persons at our temple are volunteers.
Where are you located?
137 Beaudesert-Nerang Rd, Nerang QLD 4211
Who manages the temple?
The Wat Sangharatanaram Inc. committee oversee the day to day temple activities who working closely with the resident and senior monks nationwide. All monks, committee and lay people are volunteers who offer their own time to support the temple.
Where do the monks come from?
Generally all monks come from Thailand. Often you may see monks visiting from interstate.
When can I visit?
We are open 7 days a week. We recommend if you are visiting to visit between the hours of 09:30am – 03:00pm. The community gather on a regular basis every first Sunday of each month to make merit. You can expect to learn and experience more of the Thai culture, meet new people and try some delicious Thai food!
What time do monks chant with members of the community?
The following is a Schedule of daily events – please note times and activities may vary:
Daily chanting:
10:00am – Initial Chanting / Offering to monks
11:30am – Chanting Concludes
12:00pm – Lunch
Event days (First Sunday of month / functions):
09:30am – Guests arrive
10:00am – Initial Chanting
10:30am – Temple Monks receive Alms
11:00am – Feeding the Temple Monks
11:30am – Food stalls Open to Public
12:00pm – Chanting and Robe Offering
What Buddhism is practiced at the temple?
Thai Theravada Buddhism
I am not Thai or Buddhist, can I still go to the temple?
Yes. As we’re a public place of worship open to the general public, all are welcome to attend including Thais, non-Thais, Buddhist, non-Buddhists of all walks and ages.
Where can I park?
- Cars are most welcome to park on premise near entry. Please don’t park in the streets. We are not allowed to park in the streets outside the temple by the GCCC. Please follow the instructions of marshals, and write down your mobile number so it can be read on top of your dashboard as a courtesy to others when you block them in.
- Kool Kids Nerang Early Learning Centre – (141-159 Beaudesert-Nerang Road, Nerang QLD 4211) (2-minute walk to temple) (On event days only)
How many monks reside at the temple?
Generally around 3-5 monks.
Can I bring food/drinks to offer to the monks?
Yes. Monks eat only one meal a day. If you wish to bring a plate to offer, please do so from 09:30am before chanting commences at around 10:00am. Members of the community and guests are welcome (optional) to make an ‘offering’ in whichever form they feel appropriate. This can be in form of:
- Prepared food / drink: To offer on day for monks to consume – ‘bring a plate’ idea
- Packaged food / drink: Bottled water, canned foods, snacks, vitamins, fish oils etc – (any packaged consumables you may have in your own cupboard)
- Kitchen / Toiletries: Toilet rolls, soap, toothpaste, fabric softener, shampoo, conditioner, cream, washing detergents, gloves, cling wrap, creams, cooking oils etc
- Personalised gifts: Personalised gifts are welcome
- Monetary: If you’d like to make a donation, there is a donation box on site or online via our donation page
- All of the above are optional. Our community is entirely volunteer based—therefore all efforts go directly back into supporting our resident monks and the building of our community and temple. If you simply want to attend and observe, you are most welcome.
How should I dress when visiting?
All visiting guests should dress modestly. In accordance to dressing appropriately at the temple, we ask both men and women at all times to not wear sleeveless tops/singlets and to have long enough pants/dress to cover the knees. Sarongs at the temple are available free of use if you wish to use them.
Are women allowed to touch the monks?
No. Women are not allowed to touch male monks or their robes. If women are required to hand an object to a monk, hand it first to a male or place the object on the ground within reach of the monk.
For more information, please feel free to read: ‘Temple Etiquette’, <http://thailandforvisitors.com/general/templetikit.html>.
Is there disability access / parking?
Yes.
How can I get involved at the Thai temple?
Visit. We would be more than happy to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us with details on our contact or Facebook page.
Are group tours welcome?
Yes. If you wish to visit in a large group, please feel free to contact us with further details on our contact page or Facebook beforehand. We’d be more than happy to welcome you!
Do you have a Facebook page?
Yes. Please feel free to visit us via our Facebook page for all updates:<https://www.facebook.com/WatSangharatanaramInc>
Can I make a donation?
Yes. You are most welcome to make a donation physically at the donation box when visiting the temple or online via bank transfer on our Donate page, <http://www.watgc.com/donate-บริจาค/>. All support is most appreciated and goes directly back toward supporting and building our temple.