Luang Phor Ngern (Phutthachoti) — The Legendary Wealth Monk of Wat Bang Klan
Wat Bang Klan (Wat Hirunyaram), Pichit Province
Born B.E. 2351 – Passed B.E. 2462
Luang Phor Ngern, whose name means “Money” or “Silver” in Thai, was born in B.E. 2351 (1808 CE) in Bang Khlan Subdistrict, Phichit Province. From childhood, he was seen as a harbinger of prosperity—his family enjoyed unusual comfort, and villagers often said that fortune followed wherever he went. He was later ordained with the monastic title Phutthachoti and became one of the most venerated monks in central Thailand’s history.
As a young man, he traveled to Bangkok to study at Wat Chana Songkhram. At twelve, he ordained as a novice, and at twenty-two, he became a full monk. His education in Dhamma and sacred sciences came under the tutelage of Somdej Phra Phutthachan (Toh) Phrommarangsi of Wat Rakhang and Luang Pho Pho of Wat Wang Ma Nao. His practice blended Vipassana meditation with esoteric disciplines that aimed to transform compassion into tangible blessings.
After years of training, Luang Phor Ngern returned to Phichit to deepen his practice. He founded Wat Bang Khlan (Wat Hirunyaram), establishing it upon a vow he made after planting three Bodhi trees taken from Wat Kongkaram. His dedication to meditation and community welfare attracted laypeople and monks from distant provinces. Over time, he became famed for his holy water blessings, which were said to bring prosperity, health, and protection.
Numerous miracles are attributed to him. One story tells of a Chinese merchant seeking blessed water for luck in business. After a long conversation, the impatient merchant asked when it would be ready. Luang Phor Ngern replied calmly, “It is already done.” When the merchant poured the water near the temple gate, it flowed endlessly—an omen of inexhaustible fortune. Such events, passed down through generations, cemented his reputation as a living saint.
His spiritual depth was acknowledged nationally. In B.E. 2452, during a gathering of great monks convened by the Supreme Patriarch at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, participants were tested on moving a wooden plank using meditative energy. Only ten monks succeeded in both moving and returning the plank, and Luang Phor Ngern ranked fifth—among giants such as Luang Phor Suk (Wat Pak Klong Makham Thao) and Luang Phor Eiam (Wat Nang).
The amulets blessed by Luang Phor Ngern—especially the Phra Luang Phor Ngern Wat Bang Khlan series—are legendary for Klaew Klaad (evasion of danger), Metta Mahaniyom (universal charm), and Chok Larp (wealth). His disciples, including Luang Phor Noi of Wat Kongkaram and Luang Phor Phit of Wat Kha Mang, continued his lineage of compassionate power and practical miracle-working, spreading his influence across Thailand.
After over ninety years in monkhood, Luang Phor Ngern passed away on September 20, 1919 (B.E. 2462), aged 111. His relics and amulets remain among the most revered in Thai Buddhism. To this day, his image is synonymous with prosperity and spiritual strength—an embodiment of faith, wisdom, and selfless service to the Dhamma.