Imagine stepping into a realm where the ancient art of Shaolin intertwines with the serene beauty of Koh Phangan. This is exactly the scene that was unfolding at a cozy house on the island, where the energy of martial arts infused the tropical air. Here, 37-year-old Somphet Daoheuang, a spirited German national, was at the heart of a unique “Shaolin experience” course, engaging participants with skills that transcended the ordinary workout sessions they were used to.
The serene island of Koh Phangan, known for its vibrant full-moon parties and tranquil yoga retreats, found itself at the center of a captivating venture. Participants, each having invested 9,000 baht, embarked on a journey with Somphet to explore the depths of Shaolin, a martial art that is not just about physical prowess but also mental fortitude. The scene was set for an enlightening experience, combining the discipline of Shaolin with the laid-back vibe of the island.
However, the peaceful flow of this cultural exchange was interrupted when authorities, armed with concerns and complaints, paid a surprise visit to the house. The team, comprising tourist police, immigration officers, and local officials, was acting on information regarding the “Shaolin experience” course being promoted on the Samma Karuna Facebook page. Their arrival was unexpected, turning the serene setting into a hub of inquiries and verifications.
There, amidst foreigners bending and stretching in the pursuit of Shaolin wisdom, stood Somphet, undisputable in his role as the guiding force behind the lesson. His expertise was unmistakable, yet it was not his skill that drew the authorities’ attention. It was the matter of legality – the course, despite its allure and promise of awakening, was being conducted without the necessary work permits.
Somphet Daoheuang and Arbely Natalie Rubalcava Rojo, a passionate 34-year-old Canadian woman, found themselves in the midst of an unforeseen challenge. The pair were representatives of Samma Karuna, an establishment branding itself as an “awakening and healing school” with a leaning towards an international clientele seeking enlightenment beyond the ordinary.
During the questioning, Somphet openly shared the financial blueprint behind the Shaolin course – a model where passion for sharing ancient skills met the realities of commercial transactions. He revealed that for every participant who invested 9,000 baht, he received a 60% cut, amounting to 5,400 baht, leaving the remainder for Samma Karuna. This revelation, while showcasing a thriving partnership, also highlighted the oversight that led to their current predicament.
The arrest of Somphet and Arbely was not just the culmination of a routine check. It was a moment that cast a spotlight on the fine line between pursuing passion and adhering to legal formalities, especially in a place as culturally rich and diverse as Koh Phangan.
As they were taken for further legal action, the “Shaolin experience” course, for a moment, became a lesson in the unexpected. It served as a reminder of the importance of blending passion with responsibility, even in the most idyllic of settings. The tale of Somphet, Arbely, and the Shaolin course on Koh Phangan thus weaves through the realms of culture, legality, and the timeless pursuit of mastery over mind and body. Whoever said learning Shaolin was just about the moves?
Honestly, it sounds like Somphet was genuinely trying to bring something unique and beneficial to Koh Phangan. It’s the bureaucratic red tape that’s the real problem here.
While I understand the frustration towards bureaucracy, laws and permits are in place for a reason. It’s about ensuring standards and safety for everyone involved.
I get that, but sometimes it feels like these rules stifle creativity and cultural exchange more than they protect people.
Safety aside, what about the locals? These programs can sometimes overshadow local businesses that offer similar experiences.
Disappointing to see a good thing get bogged down by legal issues. Perhaps there’s a way to balance both the law and cultural enrichment activities like these.
I’ve studied with him on many courses. He is the real deal and transmits life changing knowledge and practices. Out of all of the courses, yoga, trainings, workshops etc that I have ever done, his was the only one I would come back to again and again and again.
Somphet is a kind and warm human being. With a good sense of humour and a strong spirit. He is truly a ‘Master’ of all that which he teaches. He has devoted his whole life to the strict Shaolin path since he was a young boy. Just listening to him speak for 15 minutes, can give you information, ideas, and new ways of viewing the world that will change the way that you live forever. Master your energy, master your life.
I have learned with him qi gong, tai chi fan, and kung fu with bamboo stick. The feeling of peace, calm, serenity and balance that you get during and after these classes is like no other.
I did not attend classes for the last few years as I had other commitments elsewhere in the world. But I have been planning to attend events with him in Europe and take a retreat at the Shaolin Temple in Europe.
I heard this news last night and I am personally very disturbed and upset by it.
A person like this, spreading light and healing to the world during a period of such darkness, should not be locked up and imprisoned. I send my gratitude and my love to Somphet (Laoshi) and I hope with all my heart that he is released very, very soon. It is my hope that all his years of dedication to his practice are helping him to stay centred during what must have been a terrible experience.
I don’t know the Canadian woman, but I send her equal amounts of strength.
I know that police shut down dodgy tantra teachers and illegal kindergartens (the latter of which made over one hundred thousand baht per month!) run by and for Israeli people. But these people are worlds apart from Somphet. I understand that the law is the law. But I just hope that they treat them with the kindness and respect that they deserve.
This is very sad news.
This raises an important question about cultural appropriation. Are we okay with a German national profiting from teaching Shaolin, an ancient Chinese martial art?
It’s a fine line. If Somphet has genuinely mastered Shaolin and respects its roots, then sharing that knowledge could be seen as an act of cultural appreciation, not appropriation.
Absolutely agree. The key is in the approach and respect towards the culture being shared. It’s about intention and authenticity.
Somphet is a German passport holder but his heritage and some of his upbringing was in Laos. I’m fairly sure he also has a passport from Laos. Possibly he obtained the German passport by naturalising after studying at the Shaolin temple for so long. I’m not sure. And he is half Chinese.
He is more than appropriate to be delivering these teachings. I’ve attended many courses with him and he is a master. Not a single person who entered the room with him would call that into question for even one second.
🙏🏼
Why is everyone focusing on the negatives? It’s clear both Somphet and Arbely had good intentions, aiming to enrich peoples lives with something more than the usual island activities.
Absolutely! Let’s focus on the people here who are scamming farang by renting a house from a Thai landlord for 15,000 baht per month, then subletting it (illegally) to another foreigner for 32,000. Instead of locking up people who are bringing light and healing to the world.
I’d be curious about the quality of the training. Shaolin Kung Fu is incredibly complex, and mastering it enough to teach takes years. Was Somphet really qualified?
That’s a valid point. Teaching martial arts, especially something as nuanced as Shaolin Kung Fu, should not be taken lightly. It requires deep understanding and respect for the art.
True, but let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t know the entirety of Somphet’s training or background in martial arts.
He’s trained intensively mostly living in the Shaolin temple since he was 14 years old. He is the same age as me roughly and that makes it over 20 years of continuous, rigorous study and practice.
I know Somphet, and was one of the early students who studied with him here for several years in a row. He is absolutely qualified and experienced to deliver these teachings and deserves every last baht that he earns.
His classes would pack out the large hall in Samma Karuna until they could not fit one more person in. Such is his reputation and the quality of the teachings he delivers.
I live on Koh Phangan, and while new ideas are always welcome, everybody must play by the rules. Skipping permits and legalities only causes problems for everyone.
Seeing this makes me think twice about starting any form of business abroad, especially in places with strict regulations. It’s a reminder of how complex legalities can be.