Venerable Luang Pu Tian, Mon Buddhist Master, Commemorated
Venerable Luang Pu Tian, a revered Mon Buddhist master and abbot of Wat Bost in Pathum Thani, is commemorated on the 60th anniversary of his 1966 death. He was celebrated for creating sacred amulets believed to protect wearers from harm and
Saturday, July 18, 2026 marks the 60th death anniversary of Phra Khru Bor Dhammakij, known as Luang Pu Tian Pupphathamma, the late abbot of Wat Bost in Muang District, Pathum Thani Province. He was a respected Mon Buddhist master venerated by residents of Pathum Thani and esteemed by amulet collectors.
Born on November 2, 1876, in Krachang Subdistrict, Samkok District, he began his studies at age 11 and later moved to Wat Bost to learn Thai and Mon language. At age 14, he pursued further education at Wat Maha Phruddaram in Bangkok, then served in the royal household and the Court of Appeals before taking monastic vows in March 1896 at Wat Bang Na under the guidance of Phra Rammanya Rajamuni.
He settled at Wat Bost and became proficient in Pali, Ramanya, and various Buddhist teachings. He undertook forest retreats seeking spiritual peace, studying under Luang Pu Pho of Wat Wang Mao in Phichit, a Mon master and student of the renowned Luang Pu Ngern of Wat Bang Klan. In 1905, he was appointed abbot of Wat Bost, succeeding Phra Athikan Nuan. Over his life, he held various ecclesiastical positions and was eventually granted the title Phra Khru Bor Dhammakij.
He was known for creating numerous sacred amulets and talismans widely believed to possess spiritual power. During the Indochina War, he distributed sacred charms, spell-inscribed robes, cloth amulets, and metal tubes to villagers. His reputation grew so great that it was said no one wearing his sacred objects would die in battle. His amulets, particularly his first-edition medal cast in 1947, became highly coveted collectibles and remain rare and sought-after today.
As one of few Thai Buddhist masters granted such honor, he presented powder reliquaries and gold amulets numbered 9 and 99 to King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Chitralada Palace on June 15, 1966. He passed away peacefully on July 18, 1966, at the age of 90, having spent 70 years in monastic life.
