Luang Phor Tob (Thammapanyo)
Formal title: Phra Khru Wichit Phatcharachan • Abbot & lineage master of Wat Chon Daen, Phetchabun
Born 12 Mar 1881 (BE 2424) • Passed 21 Mar 1976 (BE 2519) • 74 vassa in the robe
At-a-Glance
- Lay family: Son of Mr. Pha & Mrs. Phrom; born at Ban Yang Hua Lom, Tambon Ban Tiew, Amphoe Lom Sak, Phetchabun.
- Bhikkhu ordination: Age 21 at Wat Sila At (Wat Chang Phueak), Lom Sak; preceptor Phra Khru Wichien Thammaphani.
- Focus: Dhamma & Vinaya, forest asceticism (tudong), traditional medicine, protective wicha.
- Reputation: Compassionate healer; widely sought for invulnerability (Kongkraphan), escape from danger (Klaew Klad), and mettā mahāniyom.
Early Life & Ordination
In the hill country of Phetchabun, the young Tob grew up close to forests and fields—the kind of landscape that would later shape his practice. At 21 he entered the robe at Wat Sila At, taking guidance from seasoned elders and throwing himself into scripture, discipline, and the older arts preserved in the monasteries of Northern and Northeastern Thailand.
Ascetic Practice & Ministry
After ordination he walked the tudong trail through North, Central, and Isan provinces—learning by hardship: cave shelters, tree roots for pillows, and meditation when the jungle grows loud. Along the way he became known for traditional healing and steady kindness to villagers, a monk who would stitch a wound and then teach a verse to calm the mind.
Sacred Objects & Amulets
His consecrations reflect restraint and purpose. Soldiers and officers carried his pieces not as trophies but as reminders to keep precepts and act without fear. Among the most referenced items:
- Parachute Model statue (BE 2500 / 1957) — distributed to Thai paratroopers for protection.
- Statues from BE 2505, 2516, 2517 — venerated across the region.
- First Rian/coin (BE 2500) — a benchmark issue among collectors; followed by BE 2516–2517 models.
- Takrut lines — Maha Rangap (invulnerability), Takrut Tone (endurance), and Takrut Tiger-forehead skin (banishing misfortune).
Collectors speak of Kongkraphan, Klaew Klad, and Mettā; his disciples point instead to the causes: sobriety of life, exact chanting, and patience that does not bend.
Later Years, Passing & Legacy
Even in advanced age he continued temple duties and occasional consecrations for the protection of lay supporters. He passed on 21 March 1976 (BE 2519), aged 95, having completed 74 vassa. The current pilgrim path to Wat Chon Daen is part history, part gratitude: statues blackened by incense, coins carried smooth by years, and stories of a monk whose medicine was as practical as his Dhamma.