We regularly visit them door-to-door,follow up on their conditions, and make sure that they take medication and communicate with others. They are afraid of doctors, but don't want to disappoint monks. Most of them can return to work now, said Phra Manab Prapassaro, a monk at Huay Prom Temple.As part of the music therapy,a group of 10 patients have set up a traditional long drum band,which now regularly performs at local festivals.Happy to make others happy the band insists on playing for free,thus prompting the community to welcome them with open arms.
The temple's involvement and support in campaigns aimed at patients with mental illness began in 2000 when health personnel at Jittavej Nakhon Ratchsima Ratchnakarin Hospital asked the abbot's permission to use the temple as a shelter.