Venerable Luang Pu Suk Remembered Five Years On

Saturday, July 4, 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of Phra Kru Suk Kit Banhar, or Luang Pu Suk Sukpepo, the former abbot of Wat Pa Waai in Sing Buri Province, a venerable monk deeply revered by the people of Sing Buri.

Originally named Suk Nai Chang, he was born on Friday, June 14, 1929 at house number 71, moo 1, Rong Chang subdistrict, Phrom Buri district, Sing Buri Province, as the second of seven siblings. Though his family lived in poverty, he was cheerful, well-behaved, creative, and beloved by family and friends. He completed his compulsory education at his local school.

At age eight, his father passed away, leaving him orphaned. His mother entrusted him to Luang Pho Phiu Kandachato of Wat Pa Waai, who raised and educated him. During this time, Luang Pho Phiu taught him meditation and insight practices while he was still a layperson, instructing him to meditate each evening at 7 PM after finishing his homework.

At age 14, recognizing his interest in Buddhism, Luang Pho Phiu ordained him in 1943. He traveled by ferry to Wat Phi Si, approximately 25 kilometers away, a journey of about one hour, to study Buddhist texts under Phra Kru Phi Si (Luang Pho Suthee).

Upon turning 20, he took higher ordination at the Buddhist precinct of Wat Pa Waai on March 7, 1949, receiving the ecclesiastical name Sukpepo. Phra Kru Phrom Chariykun (Luang Pu Dee Thammapanyo) of Wat Chang Phrom Nakhon served as his preceptor, with Luang Pho Phiu as his instructor and Phra Adhikarn Saeng of Wat Phi Si as his witness. He remained at Wat Pa Waai, studying Buddhist scriptures and serving his teacher Luang Pho Phiu.

Learning of the reputation of Luang Pu Dee, whom Sing Buri residents recognized as an outstanding master teacher, he walked from Wat Pa Waai to pay respects and seek advanced Buddhist studies, eventually becoming highly proficient.

In administrative duties, he served as acting abbot in 1962, was formally appointed abbot of Wat Pa Waai in 1964, became an instructor in 1964, district sangha administrator in 1972, and preceptor in 1977.

For ecclesiastical rank, he was elevated to Phra Kru Sannya Bat third class with the title Phra Kru Suk Kit Banhar in 1978, and to second class in 1984.

Beyond his expertise in Buddhist texts and administration, he possessed remarkable development abilities. When appointed abbot in 1964, Wat Pa Waai had only four monastic huts. He subsequently undertook extensive construction and renovation projects, permanently restoring the ancient temple's structures, all achieved through genuine merit-making.

He was strict in monastic discipline, lived simply and contentedly, showed compassion, spoke little but with kindness, and was generous. He often taught: "One teaching from my teacher I shall never forget is the constant practice of meditation and mindfulness—strengthening and steadying the mind. When the mind is concentrated, everything becomes good."

Though famous for his auspicious amulets, he never boasted, instead continually teaching people to live with mindfulness.

He passed away from old age on July 4, 2021 at age 92, having been a monk for 72 years.