I must admit I was quite taken with the style of Buddhism practised by true forest monks in Issaan outside of Udon Thani. I suspect the 3 days,10 days boot camp by most Thai men is done out of sufferance as most don't seem to learn much if you judge by their actions IMO.
I was privileged to follow Ajahn Cha around 1 morning at the International wat some 30+ years ago. Boy would he be surprised as to what goes on now!