Luang Pu Toh (Wat Pradoochimplee) — A Lifelong Servant of the Dhamma
Born 27 March B.E. 2430 (1887) • Passed 5 April B.E. 2524 (1981) • Thonburi, Bangkok
Born at Ban Khlong Bang Noi in Samut Songkhram (near Bangkok) on 27 March B.E. 2430, Luang Pu Toh entered the monkhood at Wat Pradoochimplee while still young, studying under Phra Ajahn Prom and the then-abbot Phra Atikan Suk. Upon reaching twenty, he received full ordination on 16 July B.E. 2450, witnessed by three eminent teachers: PhraKru Sammaṇatham Sāmātānh (Saeng) of Wat Paknam, PhraKru Arakat Rānusit (Porng) of Wat Nuanoradit, and PhraKru TamMawirat (Chei) of Wat GumPaeng. After Ajahn Prom’s passing, he continued advanced training with Luang Por Rong of Wat Takrabuea and undertook rigorous tudong in the northern forests during several rains retreats, strengthening both meditative discipline and compassionate service.
Returning to Bangkok, Luang Pu Toh was appointed abbot of Wat Pradoochimplee. His friendship with Luang Por Sod of Wat Paknam and studies with Phra Ajahn Nong in Suphan Buri refined his approach: steady samādhi, careful ritual, and practical blessings for lay communities. In the capital he was deeply revered; whenever major ceremonies, consecrations, or fund-raising events were organized, his name alone drew faithful crowds—royal household members of the ninth reign also paid respect and appeared in photographs with him.
His amulet work is remembered for integrity of method and clarity of intent. In B.E. 2463, he blessed the first batch of Somdej KaToh (เนื้อผง, Neua Phong), now rare and highly prized. Over ensuing decades he presided over (and joined) landmark mass-chanting consecrations: the B.E. 2494 Wat Suthat ceremony, B.E. 2500 25 Puttawat, B.E. 2506 Wat Prasat (Luang Pu Thuat), B.E. 2509 Wat Bang Khun Phrom (Somdej ’09), and the B.E. 2515 Wat Rakang centenary. Alongside Somdej, he produced and blessed Pidta, Roop Meuan, and Rian medals—widely credited with Klaew Klaad (evasion of danger), Metta Mahaniyom, and steadfast protection in hardship.
Through years of quiet leadership, he kept Wat Pradoochimplee grounded: teaching precepts, encouraging meditation, and directing donations to temple maintenance and education. Collectors recall that he favored sobriety over spectacle, and that his blessings were deliberate—slow chanting, steady breath, and a gentle insistence on truthful conduct as the foundation of efficacy. He entered final Nirvana on 5 April B.E. 2524 at the age of ninety-three; his name remains synonymous with authenticity, accessible instruction, and amulets that blend devotional beauty with lived results.