Revered Monk Luang Por Sung of Don Ta Phet Temple Commemorated

Luang Por Sung Inthasaro, the former abbot of Don Ta Phet Temple in Phnom Thuan District, Kanchanaburi Province, was a venerated Buddhist scholar whose influence extended across the region. Originally named Sung Songwansak, he was born on Sunday, March 18, 1867, as the tenth child of Nai Puk and Nang Yen Songwansak. After his father's early death, his mother raised him alone and entrusted him to Teacher Rod at Thung Samor Temple at age ten to study Thai and Khmer scripts. Following his mother's relocation to Phen Pad village in Tha Muang District, and later to Don Ta Phet, he ordained as a Buddhist monk at age 22 at Thung Samor Temple under the preceptor Phra Kru Singkhikhun Thada. He spent three rains-retreats at Don Ngai Temple before helping to establish and spend six additional rains-retreats at Don Ta Phet. Later, he pursued higher Buddhist studies in Bangkok at Wat Mai Kanika Phol monastery for six years, earning a first-class Buddhist Studies Certificate. Upon returning, he relocated the temple to a more spacious site across a canal and constructed four wooden kutis with three rooms each. He received official authorization to establish the temple as a recognized religious institution. Luang Por Sung was known for his serene temperament, disciplined practice, few words, and dedication to nighttime meditation. He cultivated many accomplished disciples who rose to prominent positions, including two who became Provincial Sangha Leaders and several who became district and subdistrict leaders and temple abbots. His disciples' achievements reflect his significant influence on the Buddhist community. Notably, during the temple's dedication ceremony in 1951, one of his Air Force officer disciples arranged for aircraft to give aerial tours around the temple, with proceeds supporting the ordination hall—making Don Ta Phet the only temple in Kanchanaburi Province to conduct such a charitable aviation activity. Luang Por Sung passed away in 1956 from old age at seventy-three years old and fifty-one rains-retreats. No commemorative medals were created during his lifetime. A single first and only edition medal was cast after his death in 1956 to honor his memory during the funeral ceremony. Produced only in copper and gold-plated copper, it was blessed by several prominent Buddhist teachers of that era, though the total number minted was never officially recorded. The medal features a standard seated Buddha image design.