Biography of Luang Pu Liew Pannako
Wat Rai Tang Thong, Nakhon Pathom
Luang Pu Liew Pannako, widely remembered for his iconic image of riding the giant turtle (Phaya Tao Ruean), was one of the most respected monk-masters of the late 20th century. He served as the abbot of Wat Rai Tang Thong, Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom Province, and became renowned nationwide for his amulets and spiritual charisma.
Early Life
Luang Pu Liew was born as Liew Sae-Tang on Thursday, the 11th day of the waxing moon in the first lunar month, B.E. 2448 (1905) — though civil records list his birth as Friday, December 3, B.E. 2451 (1908). His birthplace was Ban Nong Or, Ban Sing Subdistrict, Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province. His parents were Mr. Teng and Mrs. Noi Sae-Tang. He was one of nine siblings.
From a young age, he showed diligence and gratitude, regularly helping his parents with farm work and carpentry. In adulthood, he lived briefly as a householder with his wife, Mrs. Yod, and had one son.
Ordination and Monastic Life
At age 27, weary of worldly life, he entered the monkhood. On June 1, B.E. 2478 (1935), he was ordained at Wat Bot, Ban Luek Subdistrict, Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province. His preceptor was Luang Phor Phothapirom of Wat Ban Luek, with Luang Phor In of Wat Bot as kammawajacharn (ritual instructor) and Ajarn Hor of Wat Ban Luek as anusawanacharn (witness instructor).
He received the monastic name “Pannako,” meaning “one who is complete.” After ordination, he first resided at Wat Nong Or, his home temple, before traveling extensively to study with renowned teachers. Among them were:
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Luang Phor Daeng of Wat Khao Bandai It, Phetchaburi
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Phor Than Klai of Wat Suan Khan, Nakhon Si Thammarat
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Luang Phor Um of Nakhon Sawan
Monastic Contributions
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B.E. 2482 (1939): Renovated Wat Tha Sao, Suphan Buri, building three monk’s dwellings and a new ordination hall.
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B.E. 2484 (1941): Resided at Wat Sanam Yae, Kanchanaburi, for 36 years, during which he restored many structures including viharn, ubosot, and monk’s residences.
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B.E. 2520 (1977): Founded Wat Sai Thong, Chorakhe Phuak Subdistrict, Dan Makham Tia District, Kanchanaburi.
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B.E. 2525 (1982): Founded Wat Rai Tang Thong, Thung Luk Nok Subdistrict, Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom, and became its abbot on June 7 that year.
Passing
In B.E. 2540 (1997), Luang Pu Liew returned to his hometown temple, Wat Nong Or, in Photharam, Ratchaburi. He passed away peacefully at the age of 95 years, with 74 rains retreats, on the night of Monday, September 4, B.E. 2543 (2000).
Legacy
Today, within the viharn of Wat Rai Tang Thong, there stands an 8.5-meter-high statue of Luang Pu Liew riding the giant turtle, a symbol of his legacy that continues to draw countless devotees. His amulets—especially those featuring the turtle—remain among the most recognized and cherished in Thai Buddhism, carrying blessings of protection, wealth, and longevity.