Sacred Amulet News – Luang Pho Thong Suk Coin Series 2 from Wat Tonod Luang, Phetchburi Province

Luang Pho Thong Suk Intathocho, formally known as Phra Kru Pinit Sut Khun, was a highly esteemed Buddhist abbot at Wat Tonod Luang in Bangkao Subdistrict, Cha-am District, Phetchburi Province—a figure of legendary status not only in Phetchburi but throughout neighboring provinces, particularly renowned for blessed amulets imbued with spiritual merit and personal experience. Originally named Suk with the surname Deelert, he was born on Friday, May 19, 1877, at Ban Thabdai in Hinleelai Subdistrict, Phetchburi, during the reign of King Rama V.

At age nine, he enrolled at Wat Phi in Ban Lad Subdistrict under the tutelage of the abbot, learning to read and write, and also studying Khmer and Pali scriptures. He developed a passion for martial combat, excelling in boxing, swordsmanship, and stick fighting—disciplines he later taught to numerous students.

At fifteen, he relocated to Ban Phleng in Ratchaburi Province during his restless adolescence. He enjoyed wandering with friends and rarely stayed home, instead performing in traditional theater and shadow puppetry, even teaching these arts to others. Eventually tiring of performance, he continued to roam aimlessly, eventually associating with gangsters and becoming involved in organized crime. He became a notorious criminal operating across Phetchburi, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram provinces, forced to hide in forests to evade authorities.

During one escape into the wilderness, after three days without food, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, recognizing that his lifestyle was fundamentally wrong. Fearing continued suffering in body and mind, he resolved to ordain as a Buddhist monk at age 32 on July 12, 1909, at Wat Pramaot in Samut Songkhram Province, with Luang Pho Tad of Wat Bang Wang Thong as his preceptor.

He spent four Buddhist Lent periods at Wat Pramaot, two at Wat Kaew in Ratchaburi Province, and one at Wat Mai. He then undertook forest wandering with Samaneru Chan (later Phra Kru Chan Thammasaro, abbot of Wat Meuk Daiyawan). After extensive travels through multiple provinces, he eventually arrived in Bangkao Subdistrict, Cha-am. At that time, Wat Tonod Luang lacked an abbot, and local residents who met him were so impressed they invited him to serve as abbot in 1904.

He dedicated himself to Buddhist advancement, restoring the dilapidated Wat Tonod Luang to its former glory. Driven by compassion, he also established Wat Chang Thang Krajad, Wat Tha Kham, and Wat Khao Look Chang. In education, he funded the construction of school buildings on three occasions.

Possessed of exceptional virtue and knowledge of ancient medicine, as well as occult expertise, he attracted widespread reverence. He became especially famous for sacred tattoo marking and mystical incantations, drawing local residents and disciples from distant regions who sought his services. His hut overflowed with students, and even prominent national figures—including Field Marshal Prayut Pahonpholpayuhsena and Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram—revered him and sought his teachings and spiritual markings.

For his manifold contributions to community development, the sangha appointed him as a Phra Kru, education committee member, and preceptor. He eventually received the royal title of Phra Kru Pinit Sut Khun. In 1915, he became abbot of Wat Tonod Luang. He passed away peacefully on December 13, 1957, at the age of eighty.

Regarding popular amulets, the Luang Pho Thong Suk Series 2 coin from Wat Tonod Luang is highly prized in amulet collecting circles. These coins were created in 1955 for a temple cell celebration and cast in three types: gold, silver, and copper, with no documented production numbers. Series 2 coins became more popular than Series 1 due to their superior facial features and design.