Luang Phor Phrom (Lp Phrom) Wat Chong Khae

Luang Phor Phrom of Wat Chong Kae

At 21 years old, Luang Phor Phrom was ordained as a monk at Wat Keanlai on March 15, B.E. 2447, receiving the Buddhist name “Tawalo.” His preceptor, Luang Phor Tomya, taught him meditation and magical skills, in which he excelled. Even before becoming a monk, Luang Por Phrom had studied magical chants (Wicha Akom) under Acharn Puang. After ordination, he continued to study Dharma and meditation with Luang Por Dam for four years and then spent five years learning more Wicha Akom from Acharn Puwon. After Acharn Puwon passed away, Luang Phor Phrom practiced alone, going on a Tudong (forest-dwelling pilgrimage) and meeting various masters, including Luang Phor Derm of Wat Nongpo, a renowned guru from Nakorn Sawan. During his travels, he even visited Myanmar, where he paid respects at the Shwedagon Pagoda.

After returning to Thailand, Luang Phor Phrom encountered a storm at Mount Chong Kae, which led him to take refuge in a cave. He found the cave peaceful and decided to stay there during the Buddhist Lent. At that time, Wat Chong Kae was small, with only two monks and no abbot. The local district councillor and villagers invited Luang Phor Phrom to become the abbot, and he accepted. Over time, he helped develop the temple, building monk quarters, a kitchen, and a Dharma hall. To raise funds for a larger ordination hall (Bot), the temple created amulets, which were known for their protective power.

Luang Phor Phrom was known for his generosity, often giving away all the amulets he made. One famous batch, the Chek Tann amulets from B.E. 2515, was completely distributed to the people who attended the ceremony. Many of his amulets were bell-shaped, inspired by his fondness for large bells he saw during his Tudong in Myanmar. He was also known for speaking little but had a reputation for being able to foresee the future, with several of his predictions coming true.

1. One example involved a woman named Nang Khiew Phan, who ran a food stall near Chong Kae railway station. Luang Phor once told her she would become a millionaire due to her good deeds in helping the temple, and not long after, she indeed became wealthy from her food business.
2. Another story involved a temple committee member who misused temple funds. Luang Phor warned that anyone who did so would suffer a severe stomach illness. Sure enough, that person later died from an incurable stomach disease.
3. In one temple celebration, blessed towels were distributed. When a monk bought unblessed towels from the market and distributed them without Luang Por’s permission, Luang Phor said the monk would go mad. Not long after, the monk lost his sanity and disappeared.

Luang Phor Phrom was also known for his ability to walk on water, as witnessed by Phra Saman Kitiwutato, a young boy at the time, who later became a monk and a close follower of Wat Chong Kae. In addition to making amulets, Luang Phor Phrom was skilled in herbal medicine. His annual herbal preparation event, held during his birthday, continues to this day.

Luang Phor Phrom passed away on January 30, B.E. 2518 at the age of 91, after 71 years in monkhood. His body, kept in a glass coffin at the top of the Dharma Hall at Wat Chong Kae, shows no signs of decay, and his hair and nails are said to continue growing. Many believe he attained Aranhantship (enlightenment).

Visitors to Wat Chong Kae can pay respects by offering face masks or traditional Thai dance figurines, which Luang Por Phrom was fond of. The temple holds annual ceremonies in his honor:

1. January 29-30: Death Anniversary
2. 5th month of the Thai Lunar Calendar: Birthday & Herbs-making Celebration
3. April 12-14: Songkran Festival (bathing of Luang Phor Phrom’s statue).

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