Luang Pu Chan (LP Chan) Wat Chaloklum (Koh Phangan), Surat Thani

 

Biography of Luang Pu Chan (Phra Chan Khantiko)

Founder and Abbot of Wat Chaloklum, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani

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1. Personal Background

• Lay Name: Chan Chan-in (จันทร์ จันทร์อินทร์)

• Date of Birth: Monday, Lunar Month 10, Year of the Rat, B.E. 2443 (1900)

• Birthplace: Ban Madaewan, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province

• Parents: Mr. Khrop and Mrs. Thongdee Chan-in

• Siblings: Six full siblings and one half-sister

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2. Early Ordination and Monastic Education

• Novice Ordination: At age 13, in B.E. 2456 (1913), at Wat Madaewan under Phra Ajahn Phet Wachiro as preceptor

• Education: Studied Vipassana meditation and sacred sciences at Wat Khao Noi under Phra Ajahn Phet

• First Full Ordination (Bhikkhu): In B.E. 2468 (1925) at Wat Mai (now Wat Sri Thawip)

  • Preceptor: Phra Khru Thipachar Kunarak

• Returned to Lay Life: Married Mrs. Heednui and had two children

• Second Full Ordination: In B.E. 2489 (1946) at Wat Samret

  • Preceptor: Again Phra Khru Thipachar Kunarak

  • Dharma Name: Khantiko (ขันติโก)

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3. Founding of Wat Chaloklum

• After his second ordination, Luang Pu Chan moved to live in the Chaloklum area on Koh Phangan, which was a thriving fishing port.

• He built religious structures, beginning with kutis (monks’ huts), a sala (pavilion), and later the ordination hall (ubosot).

• The site became known as a spiritual center for locals and visiting devotees.

• On 14 September 1976, the monastic dwelling was officially registered as Wat Chaloklum.

• The ordination boundary (wisungkhamsima) was granted on 23 June 1977, legally establishing the temple.

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4. Passing and Legacy

• Date of Passing: 15 May B.E. 2523 (1980), on the first waxing moon of the 7th lunar month

• Age at Passing: 80 years

• Years in Monkhood (total): 34 years (including both ordinations)

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5. Significance and Contribution

• Luang Pu Chan Khantiko is remembered for his strict adherence to the Vinaya (monastic code) and his dedication to Vipassana practice.

• He was deeply respected by both laypeople and monks for his humility, wisdom, and spiritual commitment.

• His role in building Wat Chaloklum laid a strong foundation for Buddhism on Koh Phangan, ensuring access to religious practice and Dhamma for local communities.

• His legacy continues through the temple’s development and the reverence shown to his memory.