Luang Pu Khai (Lp Khai) Wat Chernglen, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok

 

Luang Pu Khai 

Respected Monk and Sacred Object Maker of Bangkok's Old City

Wat Chernglen, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok

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1. Personal Information

Attribute	Details
Monastic Name	Phra Khru Suwan Thammakhun
Common Title	Luang Pu Khai
Lay Name	Khai
Date of Birth	Approx. 1862 CE (2405 B.E., King Rama IV era)
Date of Passing	9 September 2485 B.E. (1942 CE)
Age at Passing	~80 years
Temple of Residence	Wat Chernglen (วัดเชิงเลน), Bangkok Yai, Bangkok

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2. Historical Context

Luang Pu Khai lived during the late 19th to early 20th century, spanning the reigns of King Rama IV to King Rama VI. His period marked the transitional age of Siam, from traditional monarchy into modernization. During these decades, the demand for spiritual guidance and protection led to the emergence of several renowned monks—Luang Pu Khai among them.

Wat Chernglen, where he served as abbot, is an ancient temple in the Bangkok Yai district, not far from the spiritual center of Wat Arun and Wat Kalayanamit. It became well known for Luang Pu Khai’s sacred activities.

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3. Ordination and Monastic Life

Luang Pu Khai entered the monkhood in his youth and remained committed to the monastic discipline until his final days. He was:

• Recognized for his strict Vinaya (monastic discipline)

• Known for his quiet demeanor, deep meditation, and inner spiritual practice

• Actively involved in the spiritual education of the local community and younger monks

He earned the ecclesiastical title of Phra Khru Suwan Thammakhun, acknowledging his merit and wisdom in Dhamma teaching and temple development.

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4. Sacred Object Creation

Luang Pu Khai is most revered today for his early-era Thai Buddhist amulets, particularly:

• Phra Somdej (พระสมเด็จหลวงปู่ไข่)

• Phra Pidta (พระปิดตา)

• Takrut charms (ตะกรุด)

• Amulets made from Phong Phutthakhun (sacred powder), metals, and hand-cast clay

His amulets were known for:

• Strong protective energy (คงกระพัน - invulnerability)

• Metta Mahaniyom (loving-kindness and popularity)

• Klaew Klaad (escape from danger)

These sacred items were blessed in traditional phutthaphisek ceremonies, often involving deep meditation and recitation of Pali paritta.

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5. Spiritual Attributes and Legacy

Luang Pu Khai was regarded as a practitioner of high-level samādhi (meditative absorption). He was respected for:

• His ability to create amulets with spiritual potency

• His simple and ascetic lifestyle, inspiring monks and laypeople alike

• His reputation as a quiet spiritual warrior, not interested in fame or wealth

His teachings emphasized mindfulness, moral precepts, and merit-making, consistent with the Thai Theravāda forest and city monastic traditions.

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6. Death and Ongoing Reverence

• Luang Pu Khai passed away peacefully in B.E. 2485 (1942 CE)

• He is commemorated annually by Wat Chernglen, with rituals, sermons, and amulet blessings

• His amulets, especially those made between B.E. 2475–2485, are highly prized by collectors and practitioners, often featured in national-level exhibitions

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7. Notable Amulets and Characteristics

Type	Characteristics
Phra Somdej	Classical step-tier base; Nur Phong; soft clay with aged patina
Phra Pidta	Closed-eyes posture; known for blocking evil, strong charm energy
Takrut	Thin metal scrolls inscribed with yantras; often small and wearable
Phra Khun Paen (rare)	Occasionally made, featuring love and protective properties