Biography of Luang Pho Yot
Phra Khru Sunthon Thammakit
Former Abbot of Wat Kaew Charoen, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province
Early Life and Ordination
Luang Pho Yot, also known by his ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Sunthon Thammakit, was born on May 16, 1911, in Tambon Ta Luang, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province. His birth name was Sanut Chutimat, commonly called Yod. His parents were Mr. Mui Sae-Ung and Mrs. Muean Sae-Ung, and he later formally adopted the surname Chutimat.
At the age of 18, on July 16, 1929, he was ordained as a samanera (novice monk) at Wat Kaew Charoen, under the guidance of Luang Pho Plian (Suwannachoto). He studied Pali and Dhamma intensively under Luang Pho Plian and Luang Pu Jai of Wat Sadet.
On May 8, 1931, he received full ordination at Wat Kaew Charoen. His preceptor was Phra Ratchamongkolwuttacharn (Chai), then known as Phra Khru Suthisanwuttacharn. The ordination was supported by Luang Pho Plian as the presiding monk and Phra Khru Udomsutkit (Phol) of Wat Pramot as the assistant monk. He was given the monastic name Chinwangso.
Education and Scholarly Achievement
Luang Pho Yot was highly dedicated to Buddhist education. He successfully passed the Nak Tham Tri examination in 1930, followed by Nak Tham To in 1933, and Nak Tham Ek in 1935—representing the highest levels of Pali and Buddhist studies.
Appointment as Abbot of Wat Kaew Charoen
Following the passing of Luang Pho Plian on August 16, 1941, the abbot position at Wat Kaew Charoen became vacant. A meeting of senior monks, led by Phra Ratchamongkolwuttacharn (Luang Pu Jai) of Wat Sadet, was convened to select a successor. Luang Pho Yot was chosen to act as abbot.
He was officially appointed abbot in 1944, assuming leadership of Wat Kaew Charoen as well as overseeing monastic affairs in the Mueang Mai and Wat Pradu subdistricts.
Development of the Temple and Community Service
As abbot, Luang Pho Yot transformed Wat Kaew Charoen into a center of religious and social service. Under his leadership, the temple became known as a local medical center, especially renowned for bone setting and treatment of fractures. It was widely believed that if villagers had a broken bone, they would go to Luang Pho Yot rather than a hospital.
He also led efforts to renovate temple structures and improve education, while maintaining strict monastic discipline.
Ecclesiastical Titles and Promotions
-
1948: Conferred the title Phra Khru Sanyabat, 3rd Class, as Phra Khru Sunthon Thammakit
-
1956: Appointed as Upachaya Monk (ordination sponsor)
-
1964: Promoted to Phra Khru Sanyabat, 2nd Class
-
1974: Received the royal rank of Phra Khru Sanyabat, 1st Class
Passing and Legacy
Luang Pho Yot passed away peacefully on March 12, 1998, at the age of 86 years, 9 months, and 24 days, having completed 66 years in monkhood. His body remained undecayed, and he is still highly revered today.
Wat Kaew Charoen: Temple History
Wat Kaew Charoen is an ancient temple with Mon origins, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. It is believed to have been deserted after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, when fleeing villagers from Tha Yai discovered the site. Remnants of the original structures—including laterite Buddha images and two broken Mon-style pagodas—were found in the forest.
The temple was restored in 1897 by Phra Athikan Tai, and its signature glass Buddha statue inspired the name Wat Kaew, meaning “Crystal Temple”. The temple was officially registered as Wat Kaew Charoen in 1832 and received royal boundary recognition on March 4, 1986.
List of Abbots:
-
Rabbit (no dates available)
-
Phra Yaem (1845–1861)
-
Phra Fak (1865–1882)
-
Phra Kong (1882–1925)
-
Phra Khru Plian (1925–1941)
-
Phra Khru Sunthon Thammakit / Luang Pho Yot (1942–1998)
-
Phra Khru Palat Kasem (Aphasusaro) (1999–Present)