Luang Phor Saneh (Lp Saneh) Wat Sawang Arom, Sawang Arom District, Uthai Thani

Luang Phor Saneh (Phra Khru Uthai Thammasunthon) — Wat Sawang Arom, Uthai Thani

Luang Phor Saneh, the former abbot of Wat Sawang Arom in Sawang Arom District, Uthai Thani Province, is one of the most revered monks of the Sakae Krang River Basin. Also known as Phra Khru Uthai Thammasunthon and Luang Pho Saneh Kangkasaro, he commanded deep respect across Uthai Thani Province throughout his 68 years of monastic service. His amulets are widely regarded for their spiritual potency — encompassing qualities of loving-kindness, popularity, prosperity, and protection — and are particularly renowned for safeguarding devotees against harm in road accidents. He passed away on 19 January 2000, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate among collectors and devotees across Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Lineage and Spiritual Mentors

Luang Phor Saneh was a direct disciple of three well-established monks of the region:

• Luang Pho Tui — his preceptor at ordination, formally known as Phra Khru Ukkrit Thammarat
• Luang Pho Chong — a master of spiritual practices and his uncle
• Luang Pho Pok — his teacher at Ubosatharam Temple, under whom he advanced his scriptural studies

This lineage places Luang Phor Saneh within a well-documented chain of transmission that adds considerable weight to the spiritual provenance of his sacred items.

Early Life and Ordination

Born on 1 February 1911 in Uthai Thani Province, Luang Phor Saneh’s birth name was Saneh Kaewthanakorn. He was the son of rice farmers Mr. Kleep and Mrs. Phuk Kaewthanakorn of Ban Nong Phangkha, Uthai Thani Province. Given the limited educational infrastructure of the era, he completed primary schooling at Wat Nong Phangkha in 1922 before returning home to assist his family.

Following his military draft at the age of 21, he chose to enter monkhood. He was ordained on 13 May 1932 at Wat Thung Na Thai, Uthai Thani Province. His preceptor was Phra Khru Ukkrit Thammarat (Luang Pho Tui), and his instructors were Phra Ajahn Ngern and Phra Ajahn Kan. Upon ordination, he received the monastic name Kangkasaro.

Monastic Education and Training

Following ordination, Luang Phor Saneh resided at Wat Nong Pangkha, where he studied Dharma, Pali, and sacred teachings under the guidance of Luang Pho Tui. He subsequently trained under Luang Pho Chong, deepening his command of spiritual practice.

On 2 June 1935, he moved to Ubosatharam Temple to study under Luang Pho Pok, where he:

• Passed the Naktham Tri, Tho, and Ek examinations
• Attained fluency in the Khmer language
• Consolidated his foundation in both scriptural and esoteric disciplines

Leadership at Wat Sawang Arom

In 1939, Luang Phor Saneh relocated to Wat Sawang Arom and was appointed deputy abbot. His subsequent appointments reflect a steady progression of ecclesiastical recognition:

• 1949 — Appointed abbot of Wat Sawang Arom
• 1953 — Designated as a preceptor
• 1954 — Honored with the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Uthai Thammasunthon
• 1966 — Named abbot of Sawang Arom District
• 1981 — Elevated to first-class district abbot, retaining the title Phra Khru Uthai Thammasunthon

Contributions to Monastic Education

Throughout his tenure, Luang Phor Saneh adhered strictly to the Dhamma and Vinaya (monastic discipline). He placed particular emphasis on the formal education of monks and novices, founding a Dhamma school at Wat Sawang Arom. Within this institution he served simultaneously as teacher, examination supervisor, and chairman of the Dhamma examination committee for Uthai Thani Province.

Temple Development

Under his abbotship, Wat Sawang Arom underwent significant physical and institutional development. Construction and restoration projects included:

• Temple boundary walls
• Monks’ quarters
• Gates and prayer halls
• Bell towers
• Dharma halls
• Multipurpose halls

These efforts transformed Wat Sawang Arom into a recognised model temple within the province.

Sacred Items and Amulet Legacy

Luang Phor Saneh’s sacred creations are held in high regard by serious collectors. The most documented and sought-after pieces include:

• Blackened brass floating statue with bell
• Uthai Thammasunthon bell
• Tiger-shaped Somdej with three-king takrut
• Ivory-handled knife

His amulets are broadly attributed with qualities of loving-kindness (metta), popularity (maha niyom), prosperity (chok lap), and protection (klaew klad), with a particular association among devotees with protection from road accidents.

Passing and Enduring Legacy

Luang Phor Saneh was known for his calm demeanour, open-mindedness, and consistent compassion toward others. He passed away peacefully on 19 January 2000, at the age of 88, following 68 years of devoted monastic service. His teachings and sacred items continue to be respected by collectors and devotees throughout Thailand and among the wider Southeast Asian and Chinese-speaking collector communities.

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