A rising star in Thailand’s vibrant entertainment scene, model-actor Dom Petchthamrongchai, stunned followers this spring by abandoning his burgeoning career to enter a Buddhist monastery, embarking on a temporary ordination focused on spiritual clarity and community service. Now known by his monastic title, Punnadhamm, the 22-year-old is dedicating his time to a unique charitable endeavor: raising funds for the construction of Hervey Bay, Brisbane’s, inaugural Buddhist temple. The decision, which the Melbourne-born celebrity noted was fully supported by his family, underscores a profound shift from the demands of global celebrity to a contemplative existence.
Dom first captured public attention as a competitor on The Face Men Thailand Season 2 in 2019. Despite an early exit, he swiftly built a formidable career, modeling for international luxury houses like Louis Vuitton for their Fall-Winter 2022/2023 collection and securing roles in several Thai dramas, including the recently released series, The Bangkok Boy.
Seeking Purpose Beyond the Spotlight
The decision to trade high fashion runways for saffron robes stemmed from a deep-seated desire for personal realignment. In an interview with ABC Brisbane, Dom explained that the pressures of fame had led him toward “a very unhealthy lifestyle.”
“I used to be a very chaotic person,” he reflected. “I thought, ‘This is it. If I become a monk, maybe I could find some answers that would enrich me to really understand what my purpose is in this world, and what my goals are.’”
He asserts that the discipline and introspection of the monastic life have helped him crystallize his objectives. “Now, I know what my goals are. It is just a matter of action,” he added.
A Foundational Tradition of Temporary Ordination
While drastic to outside observers, temporary monastic ordination is a deeply ingrained and respected cultural practice in Thailand. Men often enter the monkhood for varying periods—ranging from a few weeks to several months—to accumulate merit, honor parents, and fully immerse themselves in the teachings of the Dharma.
Dom has not specified an exact end date for his current spiritual journey, stating in an Instagram post on his April 1st birthday that he intends to remain “as long as I can.” This open-ended commitment reflects a dedication to maximizing the learning experience. “The longer I stay, the more I will learn,” he wrote.
Currently, his efforts are centered on community support in Australia. The initiative to fund a new Buddhist temple in Hervey Bay highlights how the principles learned in the monastery can be immediately applied to tangible public benefit.
Future Shifts Away from Showbiz
Perhaps the most significant implication of Dom’s current path is the definitive pivot from his prior professional trajectory. Although unclear whether he will ever return to the entertainment world, his interviews suggest a strong commitment to academic and professional pursuits once he steps down from the temple.
Speaking with MGR Online in June, Dom expressed aspirations to continue his studies post-monkhood, focusing specifically on finance and law. This declared interest suggests a preference for grounding himself in fields that offer stability and intellectual challenge, rather than the volatile world of showbiz.
Whether this temporary transition proves permanent in its influence, Dom’s journey from top model to dedicated monk offers a powerful testament to prioritizing mental health and purpose over fleeting celebrity, echoing a universal quest for meaning beyond material success.