Biography of Luang Pu Chan (Phra Chan Khantiko)
Founder and Abbot of Wat Chaloklum, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani
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
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)
-
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.
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)
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.