Meet Somsak: Thirty‑One Years as a Monk, Now Sharing His Stories with Heart
Somsak was born and raised in Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, where the mornings smell of lemongrass and woodsmoke and temple bells ring long before the sun rises. At fourteen, Somsak entered monkhood — a path he would follow for the next 31 years.
He began as a city monk, living in a busy temple inside Chiang Mai’s old town. City monks spend their days close to the community: chanting in echoing halls, walking barefoot through neighborhoods for alms, and offering blessings to families who come seeking comfort or good fortune. After 9 years, Somsak converted to become a forest monk, a very different tradition focused on simplicity and solitude. Forest monks live in small huts tucked into the mountains, spending long hours in meditation and learning from the quiet rhythms of nature. Those years shaped the way he sees the world: with patience, softness, and deep attention to small details.
After leaving monkhood with deep respect, Somsak carried those teachings into a new chapter of life. Today he works as a guide in Chiang Mai, sharing temples, markets, mountain paths, and everyday wisdom with travelers from around the world. His writings are filled with gentle observations — invites you into his day — the forest paths he once walked barefoot, the markets he guides travelers through, the traditions he grew up with.
Somsak now lives with his wife, a warm‑hearted cook who recently opened a small restaurant. He jokes that she cooks with so much love that the whole street gets hungry. Together, they’ve created a place where the broth simmers from morning, neighbors stop by to chat, and visitors feel instantly at home.
We’re honored to share Somsak’s voice in the Around the World in 80 Cards community. His reflections bring a gentle, grounded perspective to the project, and we can’t wait for you to experience the calm, thoughtful world he carries with him.
Stay tuned for more of Somsak’s reflections and tales from northern Thailand. He has many stories to tell, and we’re grateful to help him share them with you.
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