Luang Pu Thongdam (Phra Nimmankovit)
Wat Tha Thong, Uttaradit — The Sage of Faith and Invulnerability
Luang Pu Thongdam Thitawanno, later honored with the ecclesiastical title Phra Nimmankovit, was one of the most revered meditation masters of northern Thailand. As abbot of Wat Tha Thong in Wang Kapi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province, he was admired for his unwavering discipline, gentle compassion, and deep mastery of ancient Buddhist esoterica.
Born in B.E. 2441 (1898 CE) in Ban Sai Rong Khon, Thap Phan Hin District, Phichit Province, his given name was Thongdam Menphring. He was the fourth of eight siblings in a humble family of tobacco merchants. Destiny, however, guided his life toward the path of the Dhamma. When he was just three years old, he was adopted by the legendary Luang Phor Ngern Phutthachoti of Wat Bang Khlan, one of Thailand’s most venerated monks. Luang Phor Ngern often remarked, “This boy is an angel reborn — and only I can raise him.” Under such guidance, the young Thongdam quickly absorbed sacred chants and mantras, displaying extraordinary spiritual aptitude.
At the age of twenty-two, he entered the monkhood at Wat Wang Mu in Uttaradit Province. His preceptors included Phra Khru Wichian Panya Maha Muni of Wat Tha Thon and Phra Ajahn Sae of Wat Sawang Arom. His first rains retreat was spent at Wat Tha Thong, after which he moved temporarily to Wat Tha Thanon for three years. When the abbotship of Wat Tha Thong became vacant, the villagers unanimously invited him to assume the position. From then onward, he dedicated his life to the temple’s restoration — constructing buildings, educating novices, and revitalizing the community’s faith.
His scholarly discipline was as strong as his meditative practice. Luang Pu Thongdam successfully completed the Naktham Tri (basic monastic examination) and was later promoted in B.E. 2504 (1961 CE) to the rank of Phra Nimmankovit. By B.E. 2510 (1967 CE), he had been appointed as the ecclesiastical head of Mueang Uttaradit District. Yet, beneath his scholarly calm lay an enduring fascination with astrology, martial discipline, and protective magic — an inheritance from his early teacher, Luang Phor Ngern.
Under Luang Phor Ngern’s tutelage, he mastered sacred sciences related to katha maha ut (invulnerability) and metta maha niyom (universal loving-kindness). His youthful vigor led him also into the world of boxing, earning him the nickname “Dam Thanyak” — the Invincible Dam. Later, he expanded his study under other great masters such as Luang Phor Tim of Wat Klang, Phichit, from whom he learned the secrets of the Takrut Tone — a powerful protective charm.
Throughout his long life, Luang Pu Thongdam remained a paragon of discipline and benevolence. His serene presence drew monks, lay devotees, and even other highly regarded masters. Among his most notable visitors was Luang Phor Khun Parisuttho of Wat Ban Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, who once traveled to Wat Tha Thong to engage him in a profound Dhamma dialogue — an event still fondly remembered among northern Buddhists.
On August 25, B.E. 2548 (2005 CE), Luang Pu Thongdam peacefully passed away at the remarkable age of 107. His life spanned a century of spiritual service, wisdom, and compassion. During his lifetime, he consecrated numerous sacred amulets — Phra Phong, Sum Nakhon Kosa, and Nang Phaya — alongside potent Yantra Takrut, Phra Pidta, Phra Kring, and Sivali images. Each piece bore the essence of his meditative strength and protective grace.
Today, the relics and amulets blessed by Luang Pu Thongdam are treasured by collectors and devotees throughout Thailand and beyond. They stand not merely as talismans of protection, but as living reminders of a saintly monk whose faith, virtue, and psychic mastery illuminated the northern Thai Sangha for over a hundred years.