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It was a joyous day at Wat Buranasirimataya Temple on Atsadang Road as Thai actor Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat took the spiritual step into monkhood, fulfilling a long-time personal wish to honour his mother while she's still alive.
The ordination ceremony began at 8:00 a.m., starting with the traditional hair-shaving, surrounded by family and friends.
Thai celebrities, including Mai Davika Hoorne, Metinee “Lookkaew” Kingpayom, Som Marie Eugenie Le Lay, Rasmhee Faguelon, Moo Asava, Aom Sushar Manaying, and Mew's fiancée, Tul Pakorn Thanasriwatanachai, attended to share their blessings.
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After the ceremony, "Monk Mew," who now goes by the spiritual name Phunya Watanapho Bhikkhu, meaning “one who grows in wisdom,” spoke about the excitement and significance of this moment.
Laughing, he shared how the lengthy mantras required dedicated practice at the temple amidst his busy work schedule.
Mew said, “I’ve always wanted to experience monkhood as a once-in-a-lifetime event. As a Buddhist, I believe this is a way to show gratitude to my parents and to everyone who’s supported me.”
He plans to stay in Bangkok before spending two weeks at a forest monastery in Chiang Mai, reflecting on his journey and deepening his practice.
Mew aims to remain a monk for at least two weeks but hopes to extend his stay, recognising the rare opportunity to focus on Buddhist teachings fully.
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He mentioned, “I’ve got everything lined up to allow me to make the most of this time. Going to Chiang Mai will allow for a more serene environment to embrace the way of life.”
Interestingly, Mew shared a story about his mother, who had previously avoided encouraging him to enter monkhood after a fortune teller suggested he might never leave the monkhood once ordained.
“She never asked me to do it,” Mew chuckled, “but this time, I felt it was the right moment. I wanted to make this offering to her while she’s here to appreciate it fully.”
While he laughed off any anxiety about staying a monk indefinitely, Mew assured fans and friends that he’s scheduled to resume work by the end of November.
Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, he takes his commitment seriously, even preparing for early morning almsgiving—a traditional duty of Buddhist monks.
Reflecting on the impact of technology on monastic life, Mew noted, “Social media didn’t exist in ancient times, so if it aids learning, it’s still useful.”
However, he plans to limit distractions and focus on Buddhist practices during his stay.
Mew thanked fans, media, and well-wishers for their support and expressed gratitude for the many who attended and followed along from home.
“This is one of the biggest decisions in my life,” he said, hands in a wai, a Thai gesture of respect.
He invited everyone to celebrate this spiritual journey with him, saying, “I hope everyone joins in these blessings with me.”