Building on its bold exploration of religious faith, The Believers 2 wastes no time proving why it deserves the spotlight. The series surged to the No. 1 spot on Netflix Thailand soon after its release, reaffirming its status as one of the most daring Thai dramas of recent years. Rather than dissecting the show’s themes, this review focuses on the characters who elevate the season and push its story into darker, more compelling territory.
Before we look at the standouts, it is worth revisiting the journey so far. The Believers 2 continues directly from the first season, which follows Win (James Teeradon), Game (Peach Pachara) and Dear (Ally Achiraya), three teenagers whose business failure leaves them with crippling debt. Their ambitious attempt to escape financial ruin leads them to monetise faith by reviving an abandoned temple and turning it into a profitable venture. The premise may seem straightforward at first, but the trio soon discovers that the world surrounding belief is far more shadowed and treacherous than it appears.
Season 2 expands this universe with impressive confidence. The story shifts from a small local temple to a prominent provincial monastery, bringing in new characters, higher stakes and layers of political and social tension. The larger scale elevates the drama while exposing the characters to more dangerous rivalries and hidden motives. It is a step up that feels both natural and necessary, allowing the show to explore the complexities of power, ambition and manipulation with greater depth.
A brief warning before we proceed. The following review discusses the key players of this season and contains spoilers. If you have not completed the series, watching it first will ensure a more rewarding experience.
Ae: Power Is Her Pursuit
The first character under the spotlight is Ae, played by Donut-Manatsanun Phanlerdwongsakul. Though she only appears in the closing moments of the first season, her influence dominates The Believers 2. Recognising an opportunity to seize power through the three teenagers, she wastes no time bringing them under her control by any means necessary. The driving force behind her ambition, as the story reveals, points squarely to one person: her father.
Ae’s father is a traditional local politician whose rigid mindset leaves no room for hope in his daughter. No matter how capable she proves herself, he refuses to acknowledge her potential and deems her unfit to represent the party. In the end, he hands the position to her younger brother, a man lacking maturity, competence, and initiative, simply because he is male.
With power something she must claim for herself, Ae resolves to show the world she can stand on her own. This determination marks the beginning of her manipulation of the three business-savvy teenagers, compelling them to carry out her will by any method necessary.
Every thought and action of Ae reflects the broader societal critique embedded in the series: a patriarchal system that suppresses women, and politics subtly intertwining with religion. While she ultimately faces defeat and leaves for abroad, it is hard to believe this is the end. Her departure may simply be a strategic retreat, setting the stage for a more formidable return.
Dol: From the Calmest to the Most Shattered
In the first season, we meet this character as Monk Dol (played by Pup-Patchai Pakdeesusuk), a forest monk renowned for his captivating preaching skills. The protagonists bring him to Phumram Temple to attract more visitors, showcasing his unique abilities. However, when Monk Dol realises he is falling in love with Dear, his once-pure monastic principles become compromised. In season two, he decides to leave the monkhood and live as an ordinary layperson.
This season reveals a profound transformation in Dol. Having been ordained since childhood and trained as a forest monk, he has little exposure to worldly life. Leaving the monkhood forces him to navigate a complex world of chaos, desires, and moral uncertainty.
Amid this inner turmoil, Dol finds a small oasis of clarity in Dear. The two reconnect, initially over a simple loan, but as they collaborate on a mental wellness class, their bond slowly strengthens. Yet, fate plays a cruel hand: just as hope blooms, Dear is brutally murdered before his eyes, shattering his dreams and plunging him into despair. By the season’s end, Dol returns to a solitary life as a wandering monk, stepping into the forest with a face marked by profound loss and resignation.
Dol’s journey is far from mundane. It reflects the life of a man who makes two monumental choices: first, leaving serenity due to a heart tainted by desire, and later, returning to peace after complete devastation. Viewers are left eagerly wondering what his next step will be in the coming season, as the story’s intensity shows no sign of abating.
Ple: A Supporting Character Who Steals the Spotlight
No discussion of The Believers 2 would be complete without Ple (played by Rasme Wayrana), one of Ae’s most trusted aides. Sent to keep an eye on Win’s mother, she initially appears to be a typical housekeeper. But by the series’ end, viewers learn that Aunt Ple is far more lethal, a professional assassin ready to eliminate anyone on her boss’s command.
Though her screen time is limited, Ple leaves an unforgettable mark. Each of her appearances carries a weight of menace, especially the moment when Dear is taken from us forever. Her presence evokes tension and dread, cementing her as one of the most chilling figures in the series.
Ple is as dangerous and formidable as Ae herself. She acts without hesitation, without empathy, and without personal attachment, embodying the ruthlessness of obedience taken to its extreme.
This character analysis highlights only a few of the central figures in The Believers 2. The series offers a rich ensemble of intriguing personalities, social commentary, unexpected twists, and high-stakes drama. Fans of intense, thought-provoking Thai dramas can stream the series now on Netflix Thailand.
