Biography of Police Major General Khun Phantharak Ratchadet (Archan Khunpan)
Biography of Police Major General Khun Phantharak Ratchadet (Archan Khunpan)
Introduction
Police Major General Khun Phantharak Ratchadet is a legendary figure in Thai history, renowned for his exceptional crime suppression skills, mastery of occult sciences, and leadership in law enforcement. His life story has been widely documented in books, print media, and even Thai folklore, covering three key periods:
- His Childhood and Education
- His Life as a Police Officer
- His Life After Retirement
His fearless approach to crime suppression, expertise in black magic, and dedication to justice made him one of Thailand’s most respected law enforcement officers.
1. Early Life and Education
✔ Birth Name: But Phantharak
✔ Date of Birth: February 18, 1899 (alternative record states 1903)
✔ Birthplace: Ban Ai Khiao, Don Tako Subdistrict, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
✔ Parents: Mr. Uan and Mrs. Thongchan Phantharak
📌 Education & Early Signs of Intelligence
- Learned basic literacy and mathematics from his father before attending formal school.
- Enrolled in Wat Suan Paan School (1912) and was promoted from Grade 1 to Grade 3 within three days due to his advanced knowledge.
- Continued his education at Wat Tha Pho School and later Wat Benchamabophit School, where he excelled in boxing, judo, and gymnastics, winning multiple awards in school competitions.
- In 1925, he entered the Huai Charakha Police Cadet Academy in Nakhon Pathom Province, where his physical prowess led him to be appointed a Muay Thai instructor while still a cadet.
His intellect, athletic ability, and strategic thinking set the foundation for his illustrious career in law enforcement.
2. Law Enforcement Career: The Rise of a Legendary Crime Fighter
📌 Joining the Police Force
- Graduated from the Police Cadet Academy in 1929 and was assigned to the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police Headquarters.
- In 1931, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and transferred to Phatthalung Province, where his reputation as a fearless crime suppressor began.
📌 Major Cases & Criminal Suppression
During his tenure as a police officer, Khun Phan relentlessly pursued some of Thailand’s most dangerous bandits, including:
✔ Suea Klap Dam Thong – A notorious outlaw from Trang Province with a 300-baht bounty.
✔ Suea Sang (Suea Phum of Mueang Lung) – A prison escapee and one of the country’s most feared criminals.
✔ Suea Sa, Suea Eib, and other bandits – Successfully neutralized over 16 notorious criminals, earning national recognition.
📌 Promotions & Recognition
✔ 1935 – Granted the noble title "Khun Phantharak Ratchadet" at the age of 33.
✔ 1936-1950 – Held various leadership roles, suppressing crime across multiple provinces, including Surat Thani, Phichit, and Chainat.
✔ 1951 – Became Deputy Commander of Police Region 8.
✔ 1960 – Promoted to Commander of Police Region 8 and Police Major General.
✔ 1964 – Retired from law enforcement after decades of dedicated service.
📌 Legendary Crime Suppression Stories
Khun Phantharak Ratchadet’s daring missions and tactical brilliance were so renowned that they were documented in multiple books, such as:
✔ "The Last Khun of Siam" – Chronicling his intense encounters with criminals, including the famous line:
- "When Khun Phan kicked his leg again, Boom! Awasado fell flat on his face. This time, Khun Phan threw himself on top and held his neck in a tight lock..."
✔ "Pol. Maj. Gen. Khun Phan Raksa Ratchadet, the Sing Mue Suppressor of Ten Directions" – Describing how he led missions against major criminals like Suea Sai:
- "The firefight between Suea Sai and Khun Phan’s side was deafening in the forest… A moment later, a sound of someone falling from the front of the building was heard with a thud!… At that moment, Khun Phan immediately ran in close..."
✔ Memorial at the Royal Cremation Ceremony (2007) – Highlighting his 49 years of exemplary police service.
His fearless pursuit of criminals made him one of the most respected law enforcement officers in Thai history.
3. Life After Retirement: Master of Occultism and Amulets
📌 Role as a Master of Rituals and Magic
After retiring, Khun Phantharak Ratchadet gained further fame as a master of occult sciences, particularly in:
✔ Amulet Creation & Blessing Rituals
✔ Jatukam Ramathep – He was the first to introduce the legend of Jatukam Ramathep, which later became one of the most famous amulets in Thailand.
✔ Sacred Weapons & Artifacts – Created and used mystical objects, including:
- The Kris of the Lord of Sai Buri
- Takrut Phisamorn Bia Wa
- The Sword of Phraya Phichai Daab Hak (Daab Daeng)
✔ Weapon Modification & Mystical Enhancements - Modified a Mauser gun, embedding it with sacred elements like diamond dust, rice grain, and iron ore.
📌 Books Documenting His Occult Knowledge
✔ "Khun Phantharak Ratchadet: The Creator of the Legend of Jatukam Ramathep" – Exploring his deep knowledge of amulets, rituals, and spiritual protection.
📌 Impact & Influence
His expertise in Thai mystical practices made him a highly sought-after spiritual leader, with people from all walks of life seeking his guidance, protection, and amulets.
Final Years & Legacy
✔ Marriage & Family
- Married Mrs. Chaloem Pantharak Ratchadet and Mrs. Somsamai Pantharak Ratchadet.
- Had 12 children.
✔ Recognition & Influence
- He remained one of the most respected figures in Thai law enforcement and spiritual circles, even decades after his retirement.
- He was the last person in Thailand to be bestowed the noble title of "Khun."
✔ Passing & Memorial
- Date of Death: July 5, 2006, at 11:27 PM, at his residence in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
- Age at Death: 103 years old.
- Cremation Ceremony: Held at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan on February 22, 2007, honoring his extraordinary contributions to Thai society.
Conclusion
Police Major General Khun Phantharak Ratchadet was more than just a law enforcer—he was a crime-fighting legend, a master of occult sciences, and a symbol of justice. His life story, spanning over a century, continues to inspire generations of law enforcement officers, historians, and amulet collectors.
His unparalleled bravery, strategic mind, and mystical prowess cemented his place in Thai history, making him one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century.
🙏 May his legacy live on forever. 🙏