Luang Phor Boontam (Phra Pathom Chetiyathorn)
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom
Born BE 2435 (29 Dec 1892) — Passed BE 2507 (3 Apr 1964) • Age 72
Born on a Thursday, the 11th waxing moon of the 2nd lunar month—29 December 1892 (BE 2435)—in Ban Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, the child named Boontham Chanhom would become renowned as Luang Phor Boontam, later receiving the honorific Phra Pathom Chetiyathorn. He was the youngest of three children of Mr. Chan and Mrs. Lamphu Chanhom, and from youth showed a persistent attraction to Buddhist learning.
At 17, he entered the robe as a novice at Wat Khae Samsen, mastering Thai and Khmer script which were essential to study at the time. Upon reaching majority he briefly ordained as a monk at the same monastery, then left to serve with the Royal Pages Department and volunteered during World War I. He returned without seeing combat, became a reserve soldier by BE 2460 (1917), and in BE 2461 (1918) married Ms. Tip of Khlong Bamru, Thonburi. The marriage ended after six months—his life on the waterways drew him toward travel and study across Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, and Suphan Buri.
During these itinerant years he pursued wicha—astrology and sacred sciences—learning from respected masters including Luang Phor Parn (Wat Bang Nom Kho) and Ajarn Daeng (Wat Pho Tha Thian). Eventually he left the river life, gave his boat to his siblings, and settled at Wat Phailom (Nakhon Pathom). He later opened a traditional medicine shop at Saphan On, earning a reputation for effective treatments and compassionate bedside manner.
In BE 2475 (1932) he re-ordained at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi under Phra Thepsuthee (Choti Thammapachotikathera). Dedicating himself to formal study, he passed the Dhamma Grade 3 examination in BE 2479 (1936). He became a tireless promoter of monastic education—buying textbooks, rewarding achievements, and mentoring monks and novices with patient, practical guidance.
Known for integrity and public-spirited service, LP Boontam devoted personal resources to temple works, facilities, and public utilities, choosing simplicity over accumulation. He continued treating the sick and sponsored the construction of patient lodging at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, which broadened access to care and earned deep gratitude among locals.
In BE 2499 (1956) he received the title Phra Khru Thammaphiram, with subsequent promotions culminating in the rank and honorific Phra Pathom Chetiyathorn. Ever grateful to his mentors, he held annual Wai Khru ceremonies that drew large gatherings of students and lay supporters.
Consecrations & Sacred Craft
LP Boontam created amulets in the old way—careful selection of materials, hand-pressed molds, personal blessing rites within his kuti. He inscribed yantras and blended holy powders, herbs, and incense gathered around the precincts of Phra Pathom Chedi. His pieces are remembered for protective power, compassion, and charm (metta mahaniyom). Limited publicity in his lifetime means authentic examples are scarce outside his circle of disciples.
Final Works & Passing
Despite the burden of throat cancer, he completed the Thammasattha Sahachan building—his last major project. He remained dutiful to the end, passing away on 3 April 1964 (BE 2507) at 3:20 p.m., aged 72. His legacy is one of compassion in medicine, excellence in study, and steady benefaction to the Sangha and public.