Luang Pho Koon's 2517 Commemorative Medal Funds Monastery

Beyond the first medal of Luang Pho Koon created in 2512 (1969) while he resided at Wat Chaeng Nok in Nakhon Ratchasima, the 2517 (1974) commemorative medal was issued during his retreat at Wat Sra Gaew in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, where he stayed between 2513-2527.

During his time there, Luang Pho Koon observed the monks' difficult circumstances—their small corrugated metal huts leaked badly during rainfall, and some structures were uninhabitable. He envisioned constructing a large two-story monastery to serve as a scripture hall, library, and monks' dormitory. He commissioned the 2517 medal and invited Buddhists to sponsor it for worship, allowing him to collect sufficient donations to complete the project, which has served the temple to the present day.

The medal features an oval shape with a half-length image of the monk facing forward. The obverse reads "Luang Pho Koon Parisuttho" at the top and "Wat Ban Rai, Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima" at the bottom. The monk's robe bears the code "Prdt" within a circle, an abbreviation of "Parisuttho," his ordination name. The reverse displays a stupa in the center with inscribed text reading "Commemorative medal for the construction of Wat Sra Gaew monastery, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima." Below are two separating dots with the text "Special Edition, October 4, 2517."

Today this medal is rare to find.

Luang Pho Koon Parisuttho of Wat Ban Rai in Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima, is one of the most deeply revered Buddhist monks in Thailand. He is distinctive for his austere lifestyle, simple speech, and ascetic practice, becoming an iconic image in the public consciousness.

Born on Thursday, October 4, 2466 (1923) into the Chattraphol Krang family at Ban Rai, Kud Phiman Subdistrict, Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima, to parents Bun and Thong Khao Chattraphol Krang, he had two siblings. The family was poor and lived far from civilization, working as rice farmers.

In his youth, he lost both parents while still a child, and he and his siblings were cared for by an aunt. From ages 6-7, he studied Thai and Khmer languages under monks, while also receiving instruction in meditation practices to avoid dangers.

At age 21, he was ordained on Friday, May 5, 2487 (1944) at Pathumseema Wat Thanon Hak Yai, Kud Phiman Subdistrict, Dan Khun Thod District, Nakhon Ratchasima, taking the ordained name Parisuttho.

He became a student of Luang Pho Daeng at Wat Ban Nong Bodhi, Samnak Takroa Subdistrict, Dan Khun Thot District. Luang Pho Daeng was a dedicated meditation master in both structured and insight meditation practices, revered by disciples and followers. After serving him for some time, Luang Pho Daeng introduced him as a student to Luang Pho Kong Phuthasaro. These two senior monks respected each other as dharma companions and regularly exchanged teachings.

When Luang Pho Kong observed that his student had developed considerable knowledge and meditation skill, he encouraged him to undertake forest wandering and intensive practice in remote areas. After determining the appropriate time, he returned to Thailand, crossing from Surin Province into Nakhon Ratchasima, and returned to his birthplace.

He then began constructing Wat Ban Rai, building an ordination hall, monk quarters, scripture hall, and a water reservoir for daily use. Importantly, he also established a school for local children.

He became a developing monk who earned extraordinary faith from laypeople, who made substantial donations to support his work.