Thomas Ong goes for laser treatments after 'letting himself go' for 5 years

After stepping away from the spotlight for five years, former Mediacorp star Thomas Ong is making a much-anticipated return to television.

And while fans may think he hasn't aged a day, the 56-year-old admits it took some serious effort to get back in shape for the screen.

Ong recently attended the premiere of I Believe I Can Fly, his latest Mediacorp drama, where he stars alongside Chen Hanwei, 54, Brandon Wong, 52, Cavin Soh, 53, and Yao Wenlong, 53.

The series follows five "uncles" reflecting on their lives after the unexpected passing of a former classmate.

Ong plays a wealthy bachelor in the finance sector who later battles cancer.

His last drama appearance was in Super Dad (2020), although he briefly returned in 2024 as a travelogue host for 8world's Bangkok Chinatown special.

Opening up about his return, Ong told 8world that he had completely let himself go during his time away.

"Everything on my face had collapsed," he said bluntly.

Determined to refresh his appearance, he underwent multiple laser treatments before stepping back in front of the camera.

"I spent a lot of time and money on lasers - my face was covered in blood," he revealed, before taking a playful jab at his co-stars.

"Unlike them, they've been filming all these while, and go for lasers all the time."

His fellow actors were quick to shut down his claim.

"Only you do that! We don't!" they rebutted.