Seeing is Believing: How The Believers' Delivered a Gripping Exploration of Faith and Finance

04/04/2024

Back to All News

Seeing is Believing: How The Believers' Delivered a Gripping Exploration of Faith and Finance

Entertainment

04 April 2024

GlobalThailand

Link copied to clipboard

Exploring faith, finance and societal issues, The Believers effortlessly soared to the No. 1 TV spot in Thailand within just a week of its release, based on viewing hours from March 25 to 31.

Keeping the faith: The making of The Believers

The journey to the top for The Believers has been a five-year journey of meticulous research, script refinement and artistic dedication. Helmed by director Wattanapong Wongwan, his debut series sets out to examine the complex interplay between faith and finance within the context of Buddhism. As Thai society becomes more accepting of the kind of doubts he has, Wattanapong is able to turn those into a thought-provoking narrative through finely crafted characters and storylines.

James-Teeradon Supapunpinyo, who plays Win, leapt at the chance to explore a topic close to his heart."I decided to take on the role after reading the synopsis, he says. Here was finally a team willing to delve into the commercialization of Buddhism in a meaningful way.

Peach-Pachara Chirathivat, who takes on the role of Game, added, "Many might think that discussing religion is inappropriate, but I believe that as Buddhists, we have to ask these questions to help make things right.

To infuse her portrayal of Dear with authenticity, Ally-Achiraya Nitibhon drew from her personal experiences. "I feel that having faith to keep yourself grounded is a good thing, she says. Personally, when I encounter problems and am unsure which direction to turn, I resort to a prayer to hope for the best.

Transforming physically and spiritually

The news that singer Pup-Patchai Pakdeesusuk had been revealed as Monk Dol quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of memes and establishing his character an instant standout in the series. Viewers unanimously praised Pup for his ability to embody the role with a performance that radiated serenity and reverence, despite never undergoing ordination himself. On top of that, The Believers Pup's debut in a long-form series.

Pup-Patchai revealed in an interview that he meditated for at least 30 minutes before each scene. Moreover, he had the chance to visit Chiang Rai with the director and Petch-Paophet Charoensook (portraying Monk Ekachai) to immerse themselves in the rituals and duties of dedicated monks who live in relative isolation. Both actors even shaved their heads during filming to fully commit to their roles. This was particularly important for Pup as the character of Monk Dol needs to exude both humanity and the serene tranquility associated with forest monks.

On Petch's part, his career has taken him from roles such as a psychology and criminology professor to a prominent LGBTQ+ character, making the portrayal of a monk a significant departure. From actually staying at a temple to thoroughly studying the principles and practices of monastic life, Petch put in the work to recreate the experience on screen.

Colorful characters loved by viewers

Not to be overlooked are the standout performances of other actors, who brings a unique perspective to their character. Tik-Channarong Khantheethao was lauded for his role as Tang, the caretaker of Phummaram Temple, reemerging as a beloved figure. Similarly, the portrayal of Father Kiw by the legendary film director Surasee Phantham solidified this series as his final artistic legacy before his passing.

Additionally, Michael Shaowanasais portrayal of Luang Jay cemented his reputation as an artist known for challenging societal norms and brought an additional unexpected twist to the show. In fact, the role echoes his own provocative artwork "Portrait of a Man in Habits 1" from 2000.

With its thought-provoking themes and beloved characters, the question on everyone's mind is whether a second season is in the cards. Intrigued by all this excitement? Tune in to watch all 9 episodes of The Believers, only on Netflix!

Download the images here.

#TheBelievers #NetflixTH

LINK:	https://about.netflix.com/en/news/behind-the-believers...
	See more stories from netflix

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

Net Insight Names Larissa GrnerMeeus CPO

Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4. Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...

18/03/2026

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026: Select Sessions Now Available to Watch on SVG PLAY

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...

18/03/2026

SVG's SportsTech@NABShow Blog Goes Live as Countdown to Vegas Heats Up

The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...

18/03/2026

The Premiere of Dead Lover Showcases Grave Robbing and Sex With a Giant Finger

(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...

18/03/2026

Music Row Piano from Wiltone Productions

Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...

18/03/2026

Techivation introduce T-Warmer Mk2

Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...

18/03/2026

Tonal Balance Control 3 from iZotope

Mix-reference plug-in overhauled iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...

18/03/2026

Toontrack Transistor Organ EKX

Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...

18/03/2026

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture 18 March, 2026 Media releases New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...

18/03/2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz at NAB 2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...

18/03/2026

LCTWS 2026

London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026