Luang Por Kuay's Hanuman Amulet Attracts Devotees
The late Luang Por Kuay of Wat Ban Khaek in Saraburi Province became renowned for creating protective amulets, especially his Hanuman medals from 1978, which remain highly sought by devotees and collectors today.
Luang Por Kuay Chutintharo of Wat Khosiitaram (Wat Ban Khaek) in Saraburi Province was a celebrated monk whose name became widely known throughout central Thailand. Originally named Kuay Pan Son, he was born on November 2, 1905, in Ban Khaek village, Saraburi. In his youth, his mother entrusted him to Luang Pu Khuat at Wat Ban Khaek for his education. Upon reaching ordination age, he was ordained on July 5, 1924, at Wat Bosat in Saraburi, receiving the monastic name Chutintharo.
While residing at Wat Ban Khaek, he studied ancient medicine with a healer named Khian to treat epidemics and various illnesses. In 1929, he traveled to study meditation techniques and amulet-making under Luang Por Si Wiriyasophito at Wat Phra Prang in Singburi. He later moved to Wat Nong Khaem in 1934 to further his medical studies with local practitioners. During this period, a fellow monk named Chaem discovered sacred manuscripts in a tree hollow. After performing a respectful ritual, Luang Por Kuay successfully retrieved the texts, vowing to use them for the temple's and villagers' benefit.
He also trained at Wat Bang Ta Ngaai in Nakhon Sawan under Luang Por Derm, where he learned to create rings, tubular amulets, and ritual knives. During World War II, he returned to Wat Ban Khaek, where his tattooing services became so popular that people sought him day and night. The region was plagued by bandits and tigers, and villagers relied on his protective amulets to safeguard their families and valuables. According to local accounts, tiger bandits from nearby areas would fire gunshots in respect when passing the temple.
Luang Por Kuay was elevated to the rank of Phra Kru on December 5, 1965. In 1978, he was admitted to Phaya Thai Hospital for malnutrition after 30 years of poor health. He passed away peacefully on April 12, 1979, at the age of 74 after 54 years in the monkhood. His amulets and talismans, particularly the popular Hanuman flag medals from 1978, remain highly sought after by collectors. These amulets are believed to possess spiritual power comparable to those of other renowned monks, cementing his legacy as one of Thailand's most influential amulet masters.
