New Amulet Release: Coins of Luang Pho Phrom from Wat Chong Khae
Wat Chong Khae has released commemorative coins honoring Luang Pho Phrom Thawaro, a revered meditation master who founded the temple in Nakhon Sawan and served as abbot for 54 years until 1971. The first-edition 1964 amulets feature copper
Luang Pho Phrom Thawaro was a revered meditation master known for his compassionate nature and ascetic lifestyle. Born April 12, 1883, in Ayutthaya, he was ordained at Wat Khian Lai on March 15, 1903. He studied Khmer language and meditation techniques under senior monks before embarking on a long pilgrimage through Myanmar, visiting sacred sites including the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Upon returning to Thailand through Mae La Mao in Tak province, heavy rains forced him to take shelter in a small cave at Khao Chong Khae in Tak Kli district, Nakhon Sawan. Impressed by his austere practice, local villagers invited him to establish a permanent monastery there, which became Wat Chong Khae. He served as the temple's first abbot for 54 years until retiring in 1971, passing away peacefully on January 30, 1975, at age 91. Among his many revered amulets, the first-edition coin from 1964 is particularly prized. Created by the temple's committee to fund the ordination hall, these oval-shaped amulets feature copper with gold plating or burnished copper finishes. The front depicts Luang Pho Phrom in meditation posture wearing monastic robes, with ancient characters above and his name inscribed below. The reverse bears the inscription 'Age 79, Vassa 59' along with the temple's name and location details. When acquiring these amulets, collectors should verify the clarity of the imagery and sharpness of the lettering.
