Sacred Objects News – First Edition Medal of Luang Por Piem, Wat Koh Lak, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Luang Por Piem, a revered abbot of Wat Koh Lak in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, gained widespread respect for his expertise in astrology, fortune-telling, and herbal medicine during his 46-year monastic career until his death in 1949.
Wat Koh Lak in Muang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is an ancient temple constructed around 1757 that originated as a monastic community during the Ayutthaya period. It was elevated to the status of a royal temple in 1972. The temple is widely respected for "Luang Por Piem Chantachoto," whose monastic name was "Phra Kru Sumedhivorakun," a distinguished abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader of Prachuap Khiri Khan. He was renowned for his accurate fortune-telling abilities and expertise in astrological practices, and was also skilled in treating illnesses with herbal medicine.
Born into the Thawarnanan family at Ban Na Huai in Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe Pranburi on Thursday, May 25, 1883, his family worked as farmers. At age five, his mother enrolled him to study Thai and Khmer script with the abbot of Wat Na Huai. At age nine, after a house fire, the family relocated to Ban Sra Chaeng in Nong Chok District, Phetchaburi Province. At age eleven, he studied magic water incantation with Mo Khiao, a renowned master, and learned multiple skills from famous teachers including architecture, drawing, and sculpting.
He was ordained at Wat Lad in Muang District, Phetchaburi Province in 1903 under Phra Kru Suvanmuni as preceptor and Phra Plad Bun as the ceremonial master, receiving the name Chantachoto. He spent five years at Wat Lad studying Buddhist teachings and performing monastic duties diligently. He assisted in constructing Wat Na Huai's ordination hall. In 1915, Phra Kru Suthajarakun transferred to Wat Koh Lak as abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader, and Luang Por Piem was appointed acting abbot of Wat Na Huai, becoming full abbot in 1916.
While at Wat Na Huai, he studied astrology from Phra Suvanmuni at Wat Mahathat in Phetchaburi and began gaining his reputation in astrological sciences. He governed monks and novices with virtue and renovated temple buildings and facilities systematically. In 1919, he received the rank of Phra Kru Chao Thawan. In 1920, he became a preceptor. In 1930, he became abbot of Wat Koh Lak. In 1931, he was appointed as acting provincial ecclesiastical leader.
In 1924, he was elevated to Phra Kru Sannyabat Phra Kru Sumedhivorakun, serving as assistant provincial leader. In 1941, he was elevated to Phra Kru Medhivorakun and became provincial ecclesiastical leader. In the same year, he received the rank of Phra Rachakhanachao Third Class.
As abbot of Wat Koh Lak and provincial ecclesiastical leader, he demonstrated his full capabilities by utilizing his knowledge for various projects, most notably constructing the magnificent ordination hall, establishing a Buddhist studies school, and developing water facilities for the temple. Beyond his administrative duties conducted with moral principles, he undertook numerous renovation and monastic complex construction projects at various locations. He passed away peacefully on May 29, 1949 from intestinal illness.
