Luang Phor Boontam (Lp Boontam) Wat Phra Pathom Chendi

 

Luang Phor Boontam (Lp Boontam)

Wat Phra Pathom Chendi

BE2435 - BE2507

(72 Years old)

Luang Pho Boontham or Phra Pathom Chetiyathorn was the youngest of three children born to Mr. Chan and Mrs. Lamphu Chanhom on December 29, 1892, which fell on a Thursday, the 11th waxing moon of the 2nd lunar month, in the Year of the Horse. He was born in Ban Bang Sue Subdistrict, Dusit District, Phra Nakhon Province, and was originally named Boontham Chanhom. Though his early education remains unknown, he showed an early interest in Buddhism. At 17, he was ordained as a novice at Wat Khae Samsen, studying Thai and Khmer, which were popular languages at the time, becoming highly skilled in reading and writing.

Later, when he was of age, he ordained briefly at Wat Khae Samsen, but left after a year to join the Royal Pages Department and volunteered for military service during World War I. However, he returned without seeing combat and was a reserve soldier by 1917. In 1918, he married Tip from Klong Bamru in Thonburi, but they separated after six months due to his itinerant lifestyle, living on a boat as he traveled across Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, and Suphan Buri provinces. During these travels, he studied astrology and the occult sciences from various respected teachers, notably Luang Por Pan of Wat Bang Nom Kho and Ajarn Daeng of Wat Pho Tha Thian.

After many years, he tired of wandering, passed his boat to his siblings, and settled at Wat Phailom in Nakhon Pathom Province. Later, he opened a traditional medicine shop at Saphan On, where he gained a reputation for his medical knowledge. In 1932 (BE 2475), he was re-ordained at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi by Phra Thepsuthee (Choti Thammapachotikathera), studying Dhamma until passing his third-level Dhamma exam in 1936 (BE 2479).

Luang Pho Boontham’s contributions included teaching and encouraging monks and novices, often providing textbooks and rewards to promote their education. He was deeply committed to the welfare of his students, helping them with educational resources and funding. As a monk, he devoted his resources to temple events, building projects, and providing public utilities, while avoiding any personal accumulation of wealth. Known for his medicinal skills, he continued to treat the sick, which led him to build patient accommodations at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, becoming widely respected across the province.

In 1956 (BE 2499), he was honored with the title Phra Khru Thammaphiram and continued to receive promotions, eventually achieving the rank of Phra Pathom Chetiyathorn. Luang Pho Boontham was dedicated to his teachers, holding annual Wai Khru ceremonies to honor them, a tradition that gathered large crowds of his students and followers.

He also created amulets according to ancient rituals, meticulously crafting materials, pressing molds, and blessing them himself within his hut. He would inscribe yantras and use holy powders, herbs, and incense collected from various sacred sites around Phra Pathom Chedi, producing amulets with strong protective and auspicious properties. His amulets are highly valued for their protective power, compassion, and charm, but are less known outside his circle of disciples due to limited public promotion.

In 1963, while suffering from throat cancer, he completed the Thammasattha Sahachan building, his final construction project. Although gravely ill, he remained devoted to his duties, ultimately passing on April 3, 1964 at 3:20 p.m. at the age of 72. Luang Pho Boontham left a legacy of compassion, strong moral character, and a wealth of knowledge passed on to his disciples. His amulets, rarely found in the public market, remain treasured by his followers and embody his dedication to Buddhism and humanitarian values.