Who Is Ven Ajahn Siripanyo? Billionaire's Son Who Chose Monkhood Over Wealth

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, the son of Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, chose a path of spiritual simplicity over his family’s immense wealth. At just 18, Siripanyo renounced a life of privilege to become a Buddhist monk, a decision that has shaped his life for over two decades.

Siripanyo's father, Ananda Krishnan, is Malaysia's third-richest person, with a net worth exceeding ₹40,000 crore (over $5 billion), according to the South China Morning Post. Krishnan’s business empire spans telecommunications, oil, gas, media, and real estate, and he was once the owner of Aircel, which sponsored the IPL team Chennai Super Kings, captained by MS Dhoni.

Who Is Ven Ajahn Siripanyo? Billionaire's Son Who Chose Monkhood Over Wealth

At 18, Siripanyo visited Thailand to connect with his mother’s family and participated in a temporary ordination retreat. What began as a brief experience turned into a lifelong commitment to monastic life. Today, he serves as the abbot of Dtao Dum Monastery, located near the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Raised in London alongside two sisters, Siripanyo had a multicultural upbringing and studied in the UK. This background gave him an open-minded perspective, which likely influenced his understanding of Buddhist teachings. Despite his wealthy lineage, Siripanyo has embraced a minimalist lifestyle, including alms-seeking, which is central to Buddhist monastic traditions.

Although the reasons behind his decision to become a monk remain private, it is evident that Siripanyo values simplicity and spirituality. His father, a devout Buddhist, has always supported his son’s choice.

Siripanyo is known for his linguistic skills, reportedly fluent in up to eight languages, including English, Tamil, and Thai. These abilities reflect his diverse heritage and upbringing. His mother, Momwajarongse Suprinda Chakraban, is connected to the Thai royal family, adding another layer to his multicultural background.

Despite his commitment to monastic life, Siripanyo maintains close ties with his family. He occasionally returns to his former lifestyle to spend time with his father. In one instance, he travelled via private jet to visit Krishnan in Italy. He also attended a retreat at Penang Hill, a property later purchased by his father for his comfort.

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo’s journey from a billionaire’s son to a Buddhist monk highlights his dedication to spirituality and simplicity. His story is a rare blend of privilege, cultural connection, and the pursuit of a higher calling.