Thai-Australian Model Left Glamorous Life to Become a Monk

Last Updated: December 05, 2025

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On March 16, 2025, 29-year-old Thai-Australian model Dom Petchthamrongchai made a shocking decision. At the height of his fame after walking for Louis Vuitton and Burberry, gracing the pages of Vogue, and building a global fanbase, he shaved his head, donned saffron robes, and ordained as a Buddhist monk.

Behind this radical change lies a story of betrayal and a search for peace. In February 2025, Dom filed a police report after an intermediary stole millions of baht from his earnings. Despite a busy 2024, he was told his promotions were unpaid, living on just 35,000 baht ($1,000 USD) for the year. Broke and shattered, he left his glamorous career to become Phra Apisampanno, transitioning from runway to monastery.

Early Life of Dom Petchthamrongchai

Dom was born on March 13, 1996, in Bangkok. He split his childhood between Thailand and Australia, balancing Thai tradition with Australian openness. His family was prominent in real estate, and his aunt, the famous fortune teller Dr. Natthaorn “Toktak A4,” influenced him early. Muay Thai training at 14 instilled discipline, and his height (183–188 cm) made him a natural fit for modeling.

Despite family expectations to join the business world, Dom pursued entertainment. He gained fame on The Face Men Thailand in 2019 and soon walked for major brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Calvin Klein, and Boss. Editorials in Vogue Thailand, Vogue Man Taiwan, and L’Officiel followed. By 2022, he was an exclusive Louis Vuitton model. He also acted in the BL series The Bangkok Boy and appeared on the TV boxing show 10 Fight 10.

Behind the public success, Dom struggled. Heavy partying, social media pressure, and industry demands took a toll. Unaware of the financial theft, he lived in false poverty, eating instant noodles and losing weight. The 2025 revelation that he had lost his savings was the final blow.

“I lost everything, my savings, my assets. I was left with nothing but stress and questions about what this life was really for.”

Monkhood was not entirely new to him. After his mother's death and personal challenges, Dom was first ordained on November 23, 2022, at Wat Bang Waek. He shaved his head live on Instagram, observed the Buddhist Lent, and disrobed on February 19, 2023. Those three months gave him a sense of structure, emotional stability, and peace, which was very different from the chaos of his modeling career. He returned to work with healthier habits but kept the wisdom he gained from the temple.

His Monastic Journey

Early 2025's financial betrayal prompted deep reflection. The industry that once made him famous left him broke. On March 16, 2025, he decided to take an indefinite retreat at Wat Tham Khao Pun in Kanchanaburi and became “Phra Apisampanno." Later, he said he had no regrets leaving entertainment due to its instability and forgave the thief, viewing it as a karmic lesson.

He moved to Australia to continue his practice at Wat Thai Bhavana in Ballarat, where he spent the 2025 Vassa (rain retreat). His days now focus on meditation, Dharma study, and chores rather than on luxury events. Under the guidance of teachers like Ajarn Boonsom, he deepened his practice, including a pilgrimage to Dharamshala, India. He stays connected with followers, sharing temple life and reflections, attracting support for his spiritual journey through photos.

As of late 2025, Dom continues his life as a monk with no fixed date to disrobe. He plans to stay until he feels completely grounded in peace and discipline. He has shared future goals of studying finance and law, skills he hopes will help him build a stable, meaningful life after his monastic journey ends, and protect others from the exploitation he faced.

Dom’s story shows that true happiness comes from inner peace, not fame or money. Even a short time living simply, like a few months following a monk’s routine, can teach discipline, clarity, and the real meaning of life. His journey inspires anyone seeking balance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves. If you want to experience life as a monk or explore this way of living, connect with us to start your journey.

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