Broadcast Live 24 Hours from Dhaweedharma Practice Center in Nakhon Ratchasima, Starting April 18 on TrueVisions, TrueID, TrueVisions NOW, and online at at www.truelittlemonk.com
Amid the fast pace of modern life and the rapid shifts of the digital era shaping today’s youth, Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation continue their commitment to “True Little Monk,” Thailand’s first Dharma reality program, now in its 12th year. The program creates a meaningful space for youth to pause, reflect, and cultivate mindfulness through Buddhist teachings. This year, 12 young boys have been selected from over 6,000 applicants nationwide to embark on a transformative journey of ordination and Dharma learning at Dhaweedharma Practice Center (Rai Saeng Ngam), Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. The program is honored to receive guidance from the Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, Member of the Supreme Sangha Council and Abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, who serves as the preceptor and master abbot. Under the theme “Land of Dharma, Land of Thailand: Love, Learn, Persevere, and Give with an Awakened Heart,” the program reflects the profound meaning of a “land of Dharma”, where Buddhist principles guide self-development and daily living. It aspires to foster a compassionate society in which people coexist with kindness, harmony, and lasting peace through the practice of Dharma over a four-week learning journey.
Mr. Supachai Chearavanont, Chairman of the Board of Directors of True Corporation Plc, said, “True Little Monk enters its 12th year with a strong commitment to preserving Buddhism by creating a meaningful learning space where young people can access the essence of Dharma and grow from within through mindfulness, wisdom, and virtue. We believe that instilling these values from an early age not only shapes individuals to grow with purpose and integrity, but also lays a strong foundation for a compassionate and resilient society. This year’s theme, ‘Land of Dharma, Land of Thailand: Love, Learn, Persevere, and Give with an Awakened Heart’, reflects our aspiration for youth to learn to love with understanding, pursue knowledge with depth, continuously develop themselves with perseverance, and give with sincerity and kindness. When the heart is awakened, Dharma is no longer confined to the classroom. It becomes a guiding principle for life and a force that enables people to live together in harmony, with peace and sustainability. In today’s world, where young people are growing up amid rapid digital transformation and an overwhelming flow of information, creating a space for them to learn Dharma, cultivate mindfulness, and understand themselves has become more important than ever.
Over the 31-day ordination period, the 12 novice monks will learn and cultivate themselves through the teachings of Dharma, while embracing a disciplined life rooted in mindfulness and self-awareness. They will be guided with compassion by the Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, Member of the Supreme Sangha Council and Abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, who serves as the master abbot and has thoughtfully designed a learning approach that brings greater depth and meaning to this year’s program. We hope that not only will the young novices undergo a profound inner transformation, but audiences at home will also gain valuable insights from the Dharma and apply them in their daily lives, helping to uphold the values of Buddhism and carry forward the spirit of a “Land of Dharma, Land of Thailand” for generations to come.”
Throughout the four-week program, the 12 novice monks will study Buddhist teachings and apply them in daily life through the cultivation of mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom, fostering inner awakening and a deeper understanding of themselves, society, and the nation. The program also instills a sense of love, connection, and responsibility toward Thailand, nurturing them to grow into individuals of strong moral character who will help sustain a “Land of Dharma, Land of Thailand”. The program also features a series of thoughtfully designed and creative learning activities, including the “Bell of Mindfulness,” symbolizing personal growth through “Mindfulness Gold Leaves” awarded by the master as the novices progress in their practice. The “Awakening to Dharma” sessions focus on monastic discipline and etiquette, guiding their transformation from cheerful young boys into novice monks of refined conduct. Learning is further enriched through Dharma and Jataka stories presented in creative formats by artists and performing arts experts, alongside a four-day, three-night pilgrimage at Wat Wachiralongkorn to cultivate perseverance and experience the path of Dharma firsthand. In addition, the “Novice Monks’ Dharma Talks” segment allows audiences to gain daily reflections and insights from three novices, shared through their sincere and faith-filled perspectives.
Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation continue their commitment to the “True Little Monk Year 12” project as an act of merit-making, dedicated to His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. The program is also held in remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, and as a tribute in celebration of the auspicious birthdays of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), who will mark his 74th birthday on July 28, 2026; Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, who will celebrate her 48th birthday on June 3, 2026; and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who will celebrate her 71st birthday on April 2, 2026. The project also extends its merit-making dedication to all members of the Thai royal family. The program also aims to encourage youth to study and internalize the principles of the Threefold Training, morality, concentration and wisdom which form a vital foundation for personal development in line with Buddhist teachings, while preserving and sustaining the enduring values of the Buddha’s teachings in Thai society.
Additionally, the program is honored to receive the guidance of esteemed senior monks, including Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, Member of the Sangha Supreme Council and Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan; Phra Phrombandit, Member of the Sangha Supreme Council and Abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan; and Phra Phromwachirasuthee, Abbot of Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek, who serve as spiritual advisors to the program. They are joined by a distinguished group of monks and Dharma instructors from across Thailand, including Phra Phrom Patcharayanamuni, Phra Ratcha Watcharathammaphanee (Sangha Supharo), Phra Ratcha Phawanawachirayan, Phra Suthee Wachirapathipan (Weerapol Weerayano), Phra Khru Palad Bundit Intamethi (Sitthiphon), and Phra Khru Palad Sapchu Mahaveero, along with the “Dharma Arom Dee” group of engaging Dharma speakers, who will provide close guidance and support throughout the novices’ learning journey.
For this year’s program, Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, and General Dapong Ratanasuwan, Privy Councilor and Former Minister of Education, serve as lay advisors. The program also features participation from distinguished public figures and well-known personalities, including Artiwara Kongmalai (Toon), artist behind the song “Love, Learn, Persevere, and Give”; Natee Ekwijit (Ui, Buddha Bless); and Khemanit Jamikorn Premanan (Pancake), who will join the journey in learning and reflecting on Dharma alongside the novice monks.
The program will be broadcast live from April 18 to May 17, capturing the journey of the novice monks as they study and practice Dharma, cultivating moral and ethical values in their hearts. Audiences are invited to learn Buddhist teachings while supporting and appreciating the innocence, charm, and determination of the young novices. Viewers can follow the novices’ daily routines via TrueVisions Reality (Channels 60 and 99) and TrueVisions Reality HD (Channels 119 and 333), as well as through the True Little Monk application, TrueID, and TrueVisions NOW. Daily highlight programs will also air on True4U (Digital Free TV Channel 24) and True Plookpanya Channel (TrueVisions Channel 37), available nationwide as free-to-air broadcasts. The program can also be streamed online at www.truelittlemonk.com.
Get ready to experience “True Little Monk Year 12” through 24-hour live coverage, starting April 18:
- 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM: Live broadcast of the novices’ daily routines and Dharma practice, including morning and evening chanting, alms rounds, Dharma study, meditation, walking meditation, and Dharma talks.
- 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM: Daily Highlight – A recap of key moments and featured insights, along with the Dharma teaching of the day.
- 9:45 PM – 10:15 PM: “Ask Dharma, Answer Dharma” – An interactive session where Buddhist monks and instructors respond to viewers’ questions from a Dharma perspective.
- 10:15 PM – 6:00 AM: A selection of Dharma programs, including Buddhist proverbs, moral reflections, Dharma talks, Jataka stories, and Dharma music, along with reruns of the daily highlights.
Moreover, beyond the live broadcast, this year’s program also offers a series of short, easy-to-understand Dharma content covering practical life guidance, parenting insights, and reflective teachings, available across all official online platforms of the project and True. The program will also extend its reach to youth participating in summer novice ordination programs nationwide, enabling them to learn, practice Dharma, and join in chanting alongside the True Little Monk novices.
For more information and updates, please visit www.facebook.com/truelittlemonkthailand and TikTok (True Little Monk), or contact 02-858-8339 during business hours.
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