Luang Phor Phrom of Wat Chong Khae was one of the most revered monks of central Thailand — a man whose calm presence and deep spiritual discipline drew both villagers and dignitaries alike. He was ordained on March 15, B.E. 2447 (1904) at Wat Keanlai, receiving the monastic name Tawalo. His preceptor, Luang Phor Tomya, was among the region’s respected teachers in both meditation and sacred sciences, and the young Phrom absorbed everything quickly.
Even before ordination, he had studied Wicha Akom (magical disciplines) under Acharn Puang. After entering monkhood, he continued refining his meditation under Luang Phor Dam for four years, then trained another five years in advanced mantras and protective spells with Acharn Puwon. When his master passed away, LP Phrom went on Tudong — wandering through forests and remote provinces, learning from sages and hermits. During those travels he met Luang Phor Derm of Wat Nongpho, a legendary master of invulnerability magic, and even journeyed to Myanmar to pay homage at the Shwedagon Pagoda.
A storm once forced him to seek shelter at a cave on Mount Chong Kae. He found the spot peaceful and remained through the Buddhist Lent. The small temple nearby had only two monks and no abbot, so villagers and local officials invited him to stay permanently. From that moment, Wat Chong Khae became both his home and his life's work. He built monks’ quarters, a kitchen, and a Dhamma hall — slowly turning a humble forest monastery into a place of learning and refuge. To raise funds for construction, he created amulets, all of which were freely distributed to the faithful.
LP Phrom’s Chek Tann batch (B.E. 2515) became especially well known. Every single amulet was given away; none were sold. His fondness for bell shapes came from the grand bells he had seen during his pilgrimage in Myanmar. He was a man of few words but immense presence, known to foresee events with accuracy. Among the many tales remembered are those of karmic warnings and blessings fulfilled.
One of his prophecies involved Nang Khiew Phan, a woman who sold food near the Chong Khae railway station. He once told her, “You will become wealthy through merit.” Years later, her small stall grew into a prosperous business, fulfilling his words exactly. Another incident involved a temple committee member who misused temple funds. LP Phrom warned that such wrongdoing would result in a painful stomach disease — and tragically, that man later died from a mysterious illness.
There was also the case of a monk who distributed unblessed towels during a ceremony without LP Phrom’s consent. He calmly said, “The one who disrespects sacred things will lose his mind.” Not long after, the monk indeed fell into madness and vanished from the community. Such stories spread widely, reinforcing the sense that Luang Phor’s insight bordered on the supernatural.
Many disciples recounted seeing Luang Phor Phrom perform extraordinary feats — one boy, later ordained as Phra Saman Kitiwutato, testified to witnessing LP Phrom walking calmly across the surface of water. Apart from his spiritual powers, he was skilled in traditional herbal medicine, hosting an annual herb preparation ceremony that continues today at Wat Chong Khae.
Luang Phor Phrom passed away on January 30, B.E. 2518 (1975) at the age of 91, having served in monkhood for 71 years. His body, enshrined in a glass coffin atop the Dhamma Hall, remains miraculously undecayed — his hair and nails said to continue growing. Many believe this to be proof of his attainment of Arahantship.
To this day, devotees visiting Wat Chong Khae make offerings of face masks and Thai dance figurines, items he was known to favor. Annual ceremonies are held in his honor — January 29–30 (Death Anniversary), the 5th Lunar Month (Herbal Ceremony), and April 12–14 (Songkran bathing rites). These observances keep his memory alive, linking faith, folklore, and gratitude in one enduring tradition.