“Another Luang Phor Thuad?” someone asks. Here before us stands the magnificent statue of Luang Phor Thuad. This holy monk’s image is along the way from Bangkok. It goes towards Wat Muang in Ang Thong Province. Thailand greatly reveres its Sangha. They create large images of special Sangha members. These monks have shown exceptional ability.
Luang Phor Thuad was born in 1582 in Suan Chan Village. This was in Songkla Southern Thailand. His parents were a poor couple.
When Luang Phor Thuad was less than six months old a huge python twined around him. His mother plucked seven wild flowers. She put them on a leaf. She knelt down. She closed her eyes. She prayed earnestly. The python spat out a crystal ball on the baby’s chest and left.
A rich man forced Luang Phor Thuad’s mother to give him the crystal ball. Within three days all members of his family fell ill. The rich man returned the crystal ball. Within three months money poured in. Luang Phor Thuad began learning Buddhist teachings at age five. He became a monk at the age of 12 years.
Luang Phor Thuad took a boat sailing north to Ayuthaya province. The boat met great storms. Drinking water ran short. Luang Phor Thuad stretched his leg out of the boat. He drew a circle on the sea. He told the boatmen to draw water within the circle for drinking. The boatmen tried it and found that it was drinkable.
The King of Sri Lanka sent seven monks to Ayuthaya province. They brought 12 bowls containing 84000 words. These words had to be arranged into a sutra within one week. If the task was not successful Thailand should surrender. Luang Phor Thuad said that he would try to help.
Luang Phor Thuad arranged the words. He announced that five words were missing. The monks from Sri Lanka remained silent. Luang Phor Thuad warned that anyone who did not quickly take out those missing words would die. The monks presented seven boats made of gold. Luang Phor Thuad’s name was well-known throughout the country. He was looked upon as a saintly Buddhist monk.
Luang Phor Thuad rushed southwards to his mother because she was seriously ill. Not long after she died at the age of 78 years. He stayed back in Singora Thailand.
A state governor wished to build a Buddhist temple. One evening he saw an old monk stroll along the seaside. The monk left behind a trail of light. He stepped forward to pay respect to Luang Phor Thuad. Luang Phor Thuad consented. He went with the governor to Pattani. When the construction was completed the temple was named Wat ChangHai. Luang Phor Thuad was abbot to this temple until he passed away at the age of 120 years.
For over three hundred years Luang Phor Thuat has been helping people in danger and accidents. Images of him are highly esteemed for their supernormal power. The image may protect the bearer from demons. It may relieve sufferings of a patient. It can have an effect in preventing accidents. Luang Phor Thuad is a beautiful holy sacred and meaningful monk.