Thai media confirms former U23 star leaves Europe to become a monk

Thairath disclosed that the star Achitpol Khirirom came back to Thailand from Europe to follow the path of ordination.

Recently, there have been many reports stating that Achitpol Keereerom, former Thai U23 player currently with Schwaben Augsburg, has decided to end his career in Germany and return to Thailand to ordain at a temple in Loei province.

The midfielder born in 2001 is said to temporarily halt his professional career in Europe due to not achieving the expected success, despite spending many years in German football. His ordination at age 24 is described as a result of an unremarkable playing period in Europe.

However, according to sources from Thairath, these reports do not reflect the truth. Achitpol Keereerom, a member of Thailand’s U23 squad at SEA Games 32 in Cambodia, is still playing for Schwaben Augsburg in the Bayernliga, Germany’s fourth division. This season, he has appeared in 19 matches and scored 4 goals.

Achitpol’s ordination took place during the league’s break. The 2001-born star ordained to honor his parents according to Buddhist tradition at Wat Sri Chan temple, Na O subdistrict, Mueang district, Loei province on December 22, 2025. After the ceremony, he received the Dharma name Atthakaro, meaning one who creates benefit and performs good deeds.

Keereerom’s story is not uncommon in Thai football. Several players, even at their career peak, have voluntarily paused their football careers to ordain temporarily. Previously, national team members Ratthanakorn Maikami and Sasalak Haiprakhon drew public attention when they chose to leave football to join monastic training in 2023. Although the period was short, this decision was widely accepted and respected by fans.

In Thailand, ordination is regarded as an integral part of cultural and spiritual life, symbolizing character development, inner discipline, and gratitude towards one’s parents. Players, artists, and celebrities who enter monastic life live as true monks, fully observing Buddhist precepts, studying teachings, maintaining conduct, and performing daily alms rounds.