Chao Khun Nor (CK Nor)
Wat Thepsirin, Bangkok • B.E. 2440–2514 (1897–1971)
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Born on Saturday, February 5, 1897 (B.E. 2440), the eldest of five siblings, Chao Khun Nor came of age in a period of reform and learning. He studied at the newly founded Official University of the Kingdom of Siam (later Chulalongkorn University) and entered royal service under King Rama VI, serving closely in the court. When the King passed in B.E. 2468 (1925), Nor was profoundly affected and left the palace.
Though his parents wished him to marry, he asked instead to take the robe. On March 23, 1925—the day before the royal cremation—he was ordained at Wat Thepsirin as an act of merit for the late King. His preceptor was Somdet Phra Putta Koshacharn (Charoen), with Phra Putwiriyaaigon and Phra Udon Seelahkon guiding his Dhamma training. From that day he vowed to remain a monk for life, living with uncompromising simplicity: vegetarian, one meal a day, and unwavering daily chanting and meditation.
He became known for strict adherence to the 227 precepts. He declined to accept gifts, urging devotees to offer them to other monks for equal merit. When questioned by senior monks about complaints from laypeople, he explained that he ordained to dedicate merit to Rama VI and to protect his concentration—keeping worldly distractions at bay. His reasoning was accepted, and he was allowed to continue his austere practice.
His dwelling was bare—no electricity, only essentials—while he devoted himself to insight meditation. He avoided palm-reading and similar requests though some believed he possessed uncommon foresight. Stories circulated of blessings accomplished without his leaving the monastery: at major consecrations, incense would be lit and he would be invited in spirit to extend protection while he remained quietly in his kuti at Wat Thepsirin.
He personally did not create amulets, but often joined consecration rites. Pieces blessed in his presence developed a reputation for unusual potency. One tale speaks of a basin used to wash his feet before entering his room: during an outbreak of illness, water taken from that basin was given to the sick and, it was said, they recovered—an event that further deepened public reverence, though he himself denied having given “holy water.”
Chao Khun Nor passed away on January 8, B.E. 2514 (1971), aged 74. Those who remember him speak less of wonders than of discipline, restraint, and a quiet refusal to be distracted—a life deliberately shaped to keep the mind on the path.