The Life and Legacy of Luang Phor Phong Thammachotiko of Wat Khuhasawan
Phra Wisutthisan Thera • Meditation Master • Creator of Phra Somdej Leb Mue
In the spiritual heartland of old Thonburi stands Wat Khuhasawan—known locally as Wat Sala Si Na—a temple that rose to prominence through the quiet strength of one remarkable monk: Luang Phor Phong Thammachotiko, later honored as Phra Wisutthisan Thera. His insight, humility, and the sacred objects he consecrated shaped a lasting chapter of Thai Buddhist history.
Born in BE 2414 (1871) at Bang Si Thong, Nonthaburi, he was the son of Mr. Sud and Mrs. Am. At twenty-one he entered the robe at Wat Rawak (BE 2435 / 1892). His preceptor was Phra Preechachaloem (Kaew Songsuwanno)—later Phra Thepmoli, abbot of Wat Mahannoparam—while Phra Athikan Kaew of Wat Fai Mai served as sermon instructor, and Phra Athikan Lop of Wat Rawak as anusavana teacher. Receiving the monastic name Thammachotiko, he set out on a path rooted in discipline and meditation.
After ordination he trained intensively in Vipassana with Athikan Kaew, then continued under Phra Khru Silakhan Sunthon at Wat Nang Chi. He deepened his practice at Wat Nak Prok for a further ten years, forging a lifelong bond with Luang Pu Chu, a fellow disciple in the lineage of the great Luang Pu Iam of Wat Nang. Those years of ascetic cultivation gave him the calm authority that would later define his leadership.
On 14 July BE 2455 (1912), at the invitation of Somdej Phra Wannarat (Phuen) of Wat Pho and Phra Phutthaprokaya of Wat Apsorn Sawan, he assumed the abbacy of Wat Khuhasawan Worawihan. The temple was badly run down; under his steady hand the ordination hall, teaching spaces, and monastic quarters were restored, and the monastery regained its role as a living center of Buddhist practice and sacred craft.
Royal recognition followed. During the Royal Chatramongkol Ceremony at Dusit Maha Prasat on 10 November BE 2458 (1915) he received the title Phra Khru Sangwon Samathiwat and was appointed district abbot for Khlong Bang Chak, Phasi Charoen. On 24 September BE 2464 (1921), he was elevated to Phra Wisutthisan Thera, receiving the rare woven ivory fan—an honor shared in that era with only a few great masters: Luang Pu Iam (Wat Nang), Phra Sangwarachum (Wat Ratchasitthi), and Luang Pu Pan (Wat Saphan Sung).
A gentle healer, he gave freely of himself. People came with illnesses of body and mind to receive his blessed holy water; stories spread of difficult cases finding relief after a single bath. Devotees believed his water could drive away malevolent influences, protect from harm, and attract metta mahaniyom—kindness, popularity, and good fortune.
Among his legacies, the Phra Somdej Leb Mue—the “fingertip” amulet—stands apart. Revered for metta and prosperity, it appeared in two principal batches: the circa BE 2457 (1914) issue with smooth reverse and no yantra, and the circa BE 2464 (1921) issue bearing an Unalome on the back. Total production is remembered as small—no more than a few thousand pieces—crafted in fine, dry off-white sacred powder with a distinctive fingertip frame, diamond-meditation Buddha, and a strong sanghati line across the chest. While little-known outside Thonburi, families in Phasi Charoen kept them close, treasuring both their beauty and their provenance.
He served as abbot for 16 years. Though not advanced in age, he struggled with chronic illness and passed away on 30 November BE 2471 (1928), aged 57, after 35 rains in the robe. His teachings, sacred works, and compassion continue to resonate. For serious collectors and practitioners alike, the Phra Somdej Leb Mue remains more than an amulet—it is a living link to a monk whose presence healed, steadied, and illuminated the path of Dhamma.