Pra Luang Pu Thuad
The Thai Miracle Monk
The Blessed Monk Renowned for Safety and Protection
The legend of Luang Pu Thuad (LP Thuad), a highly revered monk, dates back to the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (1350-1767). Though his exact birthdate is unknown, it is believed he was born between 1582 (B.E. 2125) and 1588 (B.E. 2131) in Sathing Phra District, Songkhla, Southern Thailand.
His parents, Nai Hu and Mae Chan, were poor farmers with strong Buddhist faith. According to legend, shortly after LP Thuad’s birth, a large snake appeared near him. His mother, fearing for his safety, prayed to the snake, which then left behind a mystical “snake pearl.” The pearl became a cherished possession, later passed on to LP Thuad.
At seven, LP Thuad began his Buddhist education under his uncle at Wat Kudi Luang. He was ordained as a novice at 15 and received the snake pearl from his father. After his father’s death when he was 30, LP Thuad traveled to Ayutthaya to deepen his studies in Buddhist scriptures. During this journey, a storm struck his ship, and provisions ran out. LP Thuad miraculously turned seawater into drinking water, saving the crew. His fame spread, and he became a trusted advisor to King Maha Dhammaraja.
One notable event during his time in Ayutthaya involved a challenge from the King of Sri Lanka, who sought to make Thailand a colony. LP Thuad arranged 84,000 Buddhist sutra alphabets in the correct order, preventing the invasion and earning the title “Phra Rajamuni Samikhunuparamajam,” the highest monk honor at the time.
LP Thuad eventually returned to Wat Phra Kho in Songkhla, where he played a key role in restoring damaged temples with the King’s support. He spent his later years traveling across Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, spreading Buddhist teachings. He also became the abbot of Wat Changhai in Pattani Province, which is now a significant pilgrimage site.
Before his death, LP Thuad asked that his body be returned to Wat Changhai for his funeral rites. Though the date of his death is unknown, his ashes remain at the temple. LP Thuad is revered for his protective powers, and his amulets are believed to offer safety, particularly in life-threatening situations. The annual festival honoring him is held at Wat Changhai and Wat Phra Kho every April, drawing many devotees.
LP Thuad’s legend and miracles have endured for over 300 years, and his life continues to inspire people throughout Thailand and beyond.
It is said that any image of his, whether it’s consecrated or not, will confer blessings and protection on the owner. He is also the only monk in Thailand who can be depicted sitting on a lotus.
Luang Pu Thuad is “Phra Niantarai” (referring to being able to ward off all dangers). The parami of Luang Pu Thuad will protect all those who recollect him. Even if you are not carrying his amulet, you will still be protected by reciting his sacred Katha: “Namo Bodhi Satto Akanti Maya Iti Bhakava“.
LP Thuad arranged 84,000 Buddhist sutra alphabets in the correct order, preventing the invasion and earning the title “Phra Rajamuni Samikhunuparamajam,” the highest monk honor at the time.
Why Is He Called Luang Pu ‘Thuad’
Many people often misunderstand, thinking that Luang Pu Thuad’s name is “Thuad”. Actually the word “ทวด” in the Thai language is used to address someone very senior or elderly, such as for example the father of one’s grandfather or great-grandfather.
And this was why people referred to Luang Pu as Luang Pu Thuad instead of his given name or nickname, because Luang Pu Thuad was a very senior monk from centuries ago. Actually, his original name is “Pu” or crab, which was the name that his father and mother gave him when he was a child.
According to legend, the reason why he was given this name was because he was unsteady on his legs as a baby or toddler and swayed like a crab. That was why Tahn was given this name based on the characteristics he exhibited. Later on, his official title became “Somdej Phra Rajamuni Samiramakunapamacharn”.
No matter what one thinks his real name is, Luang Pu Thuad is still the same Bodhisatta who helps all beings. Luang Pu Thuad’s baramee is so vast that devotees from all provinces in Thailand respect him now, including many Buddhists overseas in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
Luang Pu Doo often reminded his luksits that if they are in trouble, they can always turn to Luang Pu Thuad for help. Later on after Luang Pu Doo passed away, many Ajaans have asserted that Luang Pu Doo was an incarnation of Luang Pu Thuad.
According to legend, the reason why he was given this name was because he was unsteady on his legs as a baby or toddler and swayed like a crab. That was why Tahn was given this name based on the characteristics he exhibited. Later on, his official title became “Somdej Phra Rajamuni Samiramakunapamacharn”.