Phisanulok Honors Revered Monk Luangpu Khaek on 102nd Anniversary
Phisanulok honors revered monk Luangpu Khaek on the 102nd anniversary of his death, remembering his decades of service as abbot of Wat Sunthon Pradist and his devotion to developing temples and education in Bang Rakam District.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 marks the 102nd death anniversary of Phra Mongkolsuthi, abbot of Wat Sunthon Pradist in Bang Rakam District, Phisanulok Province, known locally as Luangpu Khaek Pabhaso. He was an important elder monk of Phisanulok, embodying virtue, governance, administration, and development alongside the divine virtues. He was also among the most respected monks of the two-river region, regularly invited to preside over important merit-making and object consecration ceremonies.
Born as Lamyong Nathee Thong Phitthak on Friday, September 19, 1924, in Ban Krung Krak, Bang Rakam District, Phisanulok Province, his childhood was difficult. He attended Khrung Krak Temple School through fourth grade and came from a poor family, helping with heavy farm work. His home frequently flooded, forcing him to paddle boats carrying vegetables and fish to trade for rice husks in Sukhothai Province.
At age 21, relatives brought him to Phra Khru Phutthi Sunthon (Luangpho Rhun), then abbot of Wat Sunthon Pradist, for ordination. He spent over four months studying Buddhist texts and memorizing scriptures.
He was ordained in 1944 at Wat Sunthon Pradist's ordination hall. As a monk, he was diligent in precepts and earned his intermediate dharma degree quickly.
His positions and ecclesiastical ranks followed: In 1958, appointed abbot of Wat Sunthon Pradist and head of its monastery school. In 1960, appointed district sangha leader of Bang Rakam. In 1971, appointed acting district sangha leader of Muang Phisanulok. In 1993, elevated to Phra Khru title as Phra Khru Sunthon Dharma Prabhas. In 1998, elevated to senior Phra Khru rank. In 2009, elevated to Phra Raja Kana, ordinary rank, as Phra Mongkolsuthi.
From his appointment as abbot, he continuously developed the monastery's buildings and facilities until Wat Sunthon Pradist became an important district temple, fully equipped. He also helped develop other monasteries in the district lacking religious structures such as assembly halls, monk's quarters, and chanting halls. The monastery received designation as an exemplary temple from the Department of Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Education.
In 1960, he donated funds with villagers to construct Bang Rakam School to accommodate growing enrollment, prioritizing education as a path to success. Within the monastery, he organized formal dharma education for monks and novices.
He promoted education among monks, novices, and district students, serving as head of the sangha committee to award annual scholarships to gifted but poor children, and mobilized community support for school repairs and construction.
Luangpu Khaek was one of Phisanulok's most eminent monks, his name appearing on all major merit-making and object consecration ceremonies.
