Luang Phor Boi was born in 1892 (B.E. 2435, Year of the Dragon) in Ban Sam Muang, Bang Pla Ma Subdistrict, Bang Pla Ma District, Suphanburi Province. His father’s name was Chomsi, a rice farmer; his mother’s name is not recorded. The area where he grew up was known not only for farming but also for its ironworking community, where villagers supplemented their income by blacksmithing.
At the age of 21 (B.E. 2456), he was ordained as a monk at Wat Manow, a Rattanakosin-era temple. He spent three rains retreats there before moving to further his studies. Around 1916 (B.E. 2459), he traveled to study Dharma and Vinaya at Wat Srisuttharam (Wat Chee Pa Khao), Thonburi, where he stayed for about 8–9 years. He later returned to Wat Manow before seeking training in advanced Vipassana meditation under two of the greatest masters of that time: Luang Phor Niam of Wat Noi and Luang Phor Phan of Wat Bang Nom Kho in Ayutthaya.
In 1924 (B.E. 2467), he returned again to Wat Manow to remain in residence. Throughout his life, Luang Phor Boi was known for his austere and humble lifestyle. He did not accept high ecclesiastical positions, refused large monetary donations, and remained dedicated to a life of simplicity and seclusion.
Sacred Amulet Creation
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Around B.E. 2473 (1930), Luang Phor Boi began creating sacred amulets. Villagers contributed various metals such as brass, bronze, silver, gold, stone mortar, and traditional utensils, which were melted down and cast into amulets.
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Because of the varied metals used, each piece had different tonalities: some richer in gold, others in silver or bronze.
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A distinctive feature of his brass amulets is the natural wrinkles in the metal texture and the filing marks along the sides—traits seen in almost every genuine piece.
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In B.E. 2479 (1936), he produced clay amulets known as “Phra Chao Ha Phra Ong” (The Five Buddhas). These depicted forms such as the Naga, the Cow, the Lion, the Turtle, and the Bird (sometimes interpreted as a Rooster).
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In B.E. 2500 (1957), he created an important batch of amulets featuring his own image. The materials were highly personal:
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Betel nut chew (chahn mark) which he had saved for 15–20 years.
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Mixed with incense powder, dried flowers, and some earth.
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Palm sugar was used as the binding agent.
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These resulted in three main varieties:
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Chahn Mark type – mostly betel nut, light in weight.
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Incense powder type – heavier in incense content.
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Clay type – heavier and denser with earth content.
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In B.E. 2508 (1965), during the ubosot boundary consecration ceremony at Wat Manow, he created two coin types: a square-cut coin and a full-body coin. These were distributed freely.
Final Years and Passing
Luang Phor Boi passed away on 18 January 1965 (B.E. 2508). His cremation drew a massive crowd of devotees, a testament to his reputation and following. On that occasion, a special round coin (half-body) was struck and distributed to commemorate him.
All of his amulets were given out freely. He never accepted donations in exchange, making his sacred objects purely an extension of faith and merit. Today, his works—whether brass, clay, or powder—are considered classics of Suphanburi, widely respected for their efficacy and unique character.