Luang Phor Khom (Lp Khom) Wat Phai Rong Hua

Biography of the Great Monk: Luang Phor Khom of Wat Phai Rong Wua

From Humble Beginnings to the Monumental Legacy of Suphan Buri’s Most Visionary Abbot

Early Life and Ordination

Luang Phor Khom, originally named Pao, was affectionately called “Khom” by his friends. He was born in B.E. 2445 (1902). Upon ordaining as a monk, he received the monastic title Phra Khom Anicho Bhikkhu and initially resided at Wat Bang Sam, where he devoted himself earnestly to the study of Dhamma and Vinaya. His strict observance of the monastic code earned him the respect of both fellow monks and the local community.

Becoming the Abbot of Wat Phai Rong Wua

At the time, Wat Phai Rong Wua was little more than a humble monastery located in a remote field. With no formal abbot appointed, the local villagers—who had long observed Phra Khom’s commitment and discipline—unanimously invited him to lead the temple. Though he accepted and stayed for two years, he eventually concluded that his knowledge of Buddhism was not yet sufficient to guide others.

Determined to deepen his understanding, Phra Khom moved to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat in Suphan Buri and began studying Buddhist scriptures at the nearby Wat Pratu San. After three years of rigorous study, he successfully passed the highest level of Dhamma examinations (Theraphum level). Confident in his readiness, he returned to Wat Phai Rong Wua, now fully prepared to lead.

Temple Development and Community Transformation

When Phra Khom returned, the temple remained undeveloped—just two old thatched monk huts, and a bamboo sala with a dirt floor. Moved by compassion and vision, he initiated the transformation of Wat Phai Rong Wua into a proper monastic complex.

Key milestones in the temple's development under his leadership included:

Raising and leveling the land to prevent annual flooding
Digging a communal pond for drinking, bathing, and general use
Building monks’ residences (kuti), a proper sala, and an ordination hall (ubosot)
Structuring the temple grounds to reflect proper Buddhist principles and aesthetics

The villagers’ faith in Phra Khom deepened as they witnessed these transformations, and the temple soon became a spiritual nucleus for the surrounding community.

Monumental Construction: The World's Largest Cement Buddha

In B.E. 2500 (1957), Luang Phor Khom envisioned creating a Buddha statue that would serve as a beacon of the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom. He embarked on building what would become the world's largest cement Buddha image.

The project began after two years of fundraising and planning
Construction lasted 12 years and was completed in B.E. 2512 (1969)
This towering image became the centerpiece of the temple and a symbol of Thai faith

Expanding the Sacred Grounds

Following the completion of the Buddha image, Luang Phor Khom continued developing the temple by constructing:

Replicas of the Four Holy Sites (birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and parinirvana)
Hell and Heaven theme parks, illustrating Buddhist cosmology and karma
Kapilavastu city models, to showcase the Buddha’s early life
Many educational sculptures and dioramas, intended for future generations

When asked by a disciple why he built so much, Luang Phor Khom replied,

"So that the faithful and the younger generations may learn the story of the Buddha’s life."

His Role as Teacher and Writer

Aside from his work in temple construction, Luang Phor Khom was also a prolific writer and Dhamma teacher. His writings, often distributed freely as merit-making publications, include:

“The Wild Dhamma Missionary”
“Phutthakrairiksh”
“Samatha”
“Vipassana”

These works reflect his dedication not just to building physical monuments, but to guiding spiritual growth through knowledge.

Passing and Legacy

Luang Phor Khom passed away peacefully on January 7, 1990, at 4:55 PM due to heart failure. He was 88 years old and had served in the monkhood for 68 years.

His body is enshrined at Wat Phai Rong Wua, allowing devotees to continue paying respects. His life remains a symbol of dedication, vision, and unshakable faith.

Luang Phor Khom’s Amulets and Sacred Objects

Luang Phor Khom was widely invited to participate in blessing ceremonies across the country—particularly for major consecration events. Between B.E. 2473 to 2500, he vowed to create ten million amulets, a symbolic gesture of merit-making and spiritual generosity.

Despite the high production volume, many of his amulets are known for their powerful protective properties—with multiple testimonials of their spiritual efficacy.

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