How much should I give at a Thai ordination?
Making merit at a Buddhist ordination: amounts, envelopes and etiquette
Giving at a Thai ordination ceremony
An ordination is a merit-making event, so the envelope is about sharing in the merit rather than covering costs. Here is how people usually decide, and the customs worth knowing.
When a young man ordains as a Buddhist monk, friends and relatives attend to share in the merit. Unlike a wedding, the envelope is not seen as paying for your meal but as a contribution to the family's merit-making. Hosts rarely expect a particular amount, and joining the procession or helping out is valued just as much.
Commonly mentioned ranges are around 200 to 500 baht from an acquaintance or colleague, and around 500 to 1,000 baht from a close friend or someone close to the family. Relatives often give more or help sponsor part of the ceremony. There is no fixed rule, and amounts at village temples in the provinces tend to be lower than in the city.
Other things people weigh are whether there is a celebration dinner the evening before, how many of you are going, and whether you attend or only send an envelope. If you bring your family to a large dinner, adding a little is considerate. If you only send an envelope, give whatever feels right for your budget.
The envelope usually goes to the ordinand's parents or the host family, not to the monk himself. Write your full name on the front, and you may add a phrase such as "joining in the merit". A plain white envelope is fine. If you wish to offer money to monks after the ceremony, it is customary to use a separate envelope with an offering slip, following the temple's practice.
Give the envelope during the evening celebration or on the morning of the ordination before the procession. Dress modestly in muted colours and stay quiet inside the ordination hall. For a figure that fits your situation, the envelope tool suggests a personalised range with reasoning based on your relationship and the details you share.
How to use
- The event is already set to "Ordination" on this page; you can switch it if needed.
- Pick your relationship to the ordinand or the host family.
- Add details: whether there is an evening celebration, how many of you are going, city or provincial temple, and your budget.
- Sign in and request a suggestion. Each request costs 10 coins, refunded if generation fails.
- Review the suggested range and tips, then choose an amount you are comfortable with.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you give at a Thai ordination?+
It is flexible because it is a merit-making event. Commonly mentioned ranges are about 200 to 500 baht for acquaintances and 500 to 1,000 baht for close friends, but there is no fixed rule. Give what feels right for you.
Who do I give the ordination envelope to?+
Usually to the ordinand's parents or the host family, not to the monk. Offerings to monks are normally made separately, in an envelope with an offering slip, following the temple's custom.
What do I write on an ordination envelope?+
Your full name, clearly written. Some people add a short phrase about joining in the merit. A plain white envelope is appropriate.
When should I hand over the envelope?+
During the celebration the evening before, or on the morning of the ordination before the procession. Give it to the host or at the envelope table if there is one.
What should I wear to a Thai ordination?+
Modest, neat clothing in calm colours. Cover shoulders and knees, and be ready to remove your shoes when entering temple buildings.
Can I send an envelope if I cannot attend?+
Yes. Send it with someone who is attending and write your name clearly. Families generally appreciate the gesture.