First-Edition Luang Pho Thiang Medal Released from Tham Nimit Temple
Wat Tham Nimit in Samut Songkhram Province releases its first-edition Luang Pho Thiang medal, a brass amulet cast in B.E. 2461 as a cremation memorial for the respected second abbot who died in B.E. 2458 at age 83.
Luang Pho Thiang Pandito, the second abbot of Wat Tham Nimit in Mae Klong Subdistrict, Muang District, Samut Songkhram Province, was a renowned Buddhist scholar of the Mae Klong river basin with deep expertise, though limited biographical records survive. He was born in B.E. 2370 and ordained on May 15, B.E. 2392 at age 22 at Wat Tham Nimit under Phra Upachaya Bun, the temple's abbot, with Phra Ajarn Ma serving as preceptor in the ceremonial role. He then departed to pursue higher Buddhist studies at Rajpradithesat Temple in Bangkok for four monastic seasons.
During his fourth season, Phra Ajarn Ma passed away in B.E. 2396, prompting his return to Wat Tham Nimit. He temporarily managed the monastery before being formally invited to serve as abbot in B.E. 2403 with Phra Ajarn Sang assisting him. As abbot, he upheld strict monastic discipline, taught both monks and laypeople in both doctrine and morality, and earned such respect that devotees voluntarily contributed resources to develop the temple's buildings and sacred objects.
He died of old age on Friday, February 18, B.E. 2458, at age 83 with 61 monastic seasons. Phra Khemabhimukkha from Wat Pichayayadika Temple in Bangkok carried news of his death to the capital, informing Somdet Phra Mahasamana Chao Krom Phraya Wachirayana Worothes, who approved Phra Ajarn Thonwom to succeed him in B.E. 2458.
In B.E. 2459, the high prelate visited to order funeral preparations, personally presiding and donating a commemorative kutee (monastic dwelling). The cremation that year was conducted with the high prelate as principal, Phra Ajarn Thonwom as vice-principal, and prominent lay supporters attending. Though the ceremony was delayed due to the prelate's other duties, it eventually concluded with full dignity and ceremony.
Luang Pho Thiang's scholarly achievements remain celebrated to this day. The amulets and blessed objects he consecrated remain highly sought after. Most notably, the first-edition medal, cast in B.E. 2461 as a cremation memorial in brass only, remains popular among collectors, though the total number produced was never recorded.
