A TRANSFORMATIVE INNER JOURNEY evening, a rare opportunity to meet some of Thailand’s most influential Buddhist monks — here on the Gold Coast.
For one special evening, the Gold Coast will welcome three highly respected Thai Buddhist monks whose lives have taken extraordinary paths through education, business, engineering, international leadership and, ultimately, monastic life.
This is not a religious service or formal lecture. It is an open and welcoming evening for anyone curious about meditation, mindfulness, inner peace and what we can learn from those who have chosen a very different way of life.
Three monks. Three remarkable journeys.
Monk Sombat Rakkitajito has dedicated 30 years to monkhood. A Bachelor of Education graduate who ranked among the leading students at his university, his meditation practice began in childhood. Today, he helps bring authentic Buddhist teachings to a wider international audience through Dhamma publications, digital media and education.
Monk Praputt Buddhibalo Kamlang-ek / Phornprapha. He is the son of Phornsan Kamlang-ek (née Phornprapha) and the late General Arthit Kamlang-ek, former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. Born in Los Angeles and educated in the United Kingdom, Monk Praputt holds a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics. After a career spanning business, technology and military service, he ultimately chose a very different path — dedicating his life to inner cultivation, Buddhist practice and service to others.
Monk Narongchai Thanajayo, Abbot of iMONASTERY Chiang Mai, holds a Ph.D. in Peace Studies. Formerly an engineer, he spent almost a decade living and working in the United States and also served as a Project Counsellor with the Office of Science and Technology at the Thai Embassy in Brussels. For more than a decade he has led international ordination and training programs, guided by a simple vision:
“Make the world a better place through the attainment of inner peace of individuals.”
The evening also provides an introduction to the work of iMONASTERY, iRETREAT and Upasika, together with the General Arthit – Phornsan Kamlang-ek Foundation, chaired by Phornsan Kamlang-ek (Khun Dang).
What makes this evening different?
You won’t simply sit and listen.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet the monks personally, hear their stories, participate in an open-mic conversation, ask questions and experience a guided meditation together.
Whether you already meditate or have never tried it, this is an opportunity to experience something genuinely different.
FREE SPECIAL EVENT
Wednesday 19 August 2026
6.30 pm arrival | 7.00 pm start | 9.00 pm finish
Cineplex Southport
Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Level 1
42 Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215
Specially hosted by Caroline Russo
For enquiry and to attend please email US at [email protected]
