Luang Phor Phiw (Lp Phiw) Wat Song Ngam

 

Biography of Phra Khru Silwisutthachan (Luang Pho Phiw Silwisuttho)

Wat Song Ngam, Bang Buribun Sub-district, Mueang District, Prachin Buri Province

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1. Early Life and Ordination

Luang Pho Phiw, formally known as Phra Khru Silwisutthachan, was born on Thursday, May 19, 1892, in the Year of the Horse, in the village of Ban Thang Ngam, Mueang District, Prachin Buri Province. His birth name was Chatiphum.

During his childhood, he helped his parents with rice farming and received his early education at Wat Lieb, a temple near his home. There, he learned to read and write both Thai and Khmer.

At the age of 21, in June 1913, he was ordained as a monk at Wat Lieb. His preceptor was Phra Khru Prachinmuni (Luang Pho Thong) of Wat Luang Prichakun, a highly respected monk whose practice dated back before 1917. Luang Pho Ram of Wat Lieb served as his assistant preceptor. Upon ordination, he received the monastic name Silwisuttho.

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2. Monastic Journey and Leadership

After ordination, Luang Pho Phiw remained at Wat Lieb to study the Dhamma for 10 years before relocating to Wat Song Ngam, about three kilometers east, across the river. In 1923, he became the 7th abbot of the temple, a position he held for an impressive 62 years, until his passing in 1985.

He was officially appointed to several ecclesiastical positions over his lifetime:

• 1923 – Designated Kammawachachan (preceptor in ordination ceremonies)

• 1932 – Appointed abbot of Bang Buribun sub-district

• 1939 – Granted full preceptor status

• 1950 – Received the title Phra Khru Sanyabat (third class) under the name Phra Khru Silwisutthachan

• 1963 – Elevated to second-class sub-district abbot

• 1970 – Promoted to the equivalent of assistant abbot of a first-class royal monastery

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3. Contributions to Religious and Social Development

Luang Pho Phiw was an active monk, devoted to both the physical development of the temple and the spiritual education of monks and laypeople. He established the temple’s first Buddhist scripture school, resulting in many students successfully completing the Nak Tham Tri, Tho, and Ek examinations. Several of his disciples later advanced their studies in Bangkok and became distinguished monks.

Among his most notable achievements was overseeing the construction of the main ordination hall (ubosot) at Wat Song Ngam, which took five years to complete at a cost of nearly 2 million baht.

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4. Compassionate Acts and Traditional Healing

Luang Pho Phiw was widely regarded for his compassionate nature. He was known to use traditional healing knowledge to treat the sick, especially those with broken bones—helping both humans and animals such as elephants, horses, cows, and buffaloes recover miraculously.

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5. Sacred Ceremonies and Amulet Creation

He was frequently invited to preside over Buddha Abhiseka (consecration) ceremonies for sacred amulets. One historic highlight was his participation in the consecration of the Emerald Buddha Amulet (B.P.R.) at the Grand Palace during the 1982 celebration of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram.

The sacred items he created gained a reputation for their efficacy, especially in the areas of:

• Loving-kindness (Metta)

• Popularity

• Safety and invulnerability (Klaew Klaad and Kongkraphan)

While many of his amulets remain affordable, the earliest versions—especially those from 1959, made of copper or gold—are now extremely rare and sought after by collectors.

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6. Notable Amulet Series

His most recognized amulet types include:

• 1959 – First batch of oval-shaped coins

• 1969 – Second edition

• 1972 – Third edition commemorating his 80th birthday

• 1974 – Fourth edition with angular arm design

• 1976 – Fifth edition in teardrop shape

Other creations include:

• Herbal Phra Somdej amulets (1959) with coin stamps on the reverse

• Nine-tiered Phra Somdej

• Cast and stamped series (1972)

• Color lockets, enameled tweezers, and photo-based lockets

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7. Final Years and Passing

In his later years, Luang Pho Phiw suffered from diabetes and other age-related complications. He received treatment at both Paolo Memorial Hospital in Bangkok and Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital.

He passed away peacefully on February 16, 1985, at 8:45 a.m., at Wat Song Ngam, at the age of 93, having spent 72 years in the monkhood.

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8. Legacy

Luang Pho Phiw is remembered as one of the most revered senior monks of Eastern Thailand, highly respected by government officials, businesspeople, and villagers alike.

He is recognized as a monk who excelled in both temple development and spiritual leadership, fostering both material progress and human potential. His sacred objects remain popular among collectors due to their strong attributes of loving-kindness, protection, and spiritual strength.