Luang Pu Phak Thammatatto

Luang Pu Phak Thammatatto (Thai: หลวงปู่พัก ธมฺมทตฺโต; 1876–1958) was a Thai Buddhist monk and long-serving abbot of Wat Bueng Thong Lang from 1902 to 1958 (BE 2445–2501). He was a highly respected monk in the Bang Kapi district and was regarded as both a meditation master and a teacher of sacred sciences. His preceptor for both novice and full ordinations was Somdet Daeng Silawaddhano of Wat Suthat. His kammavācācariya (ritual instructor) was Ariyavangsagatayana (Pae Tissadeva), who later became Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. He studied insight meditation (vipassanā) at the meditation school of Ariyavangsagatayana (Sa Pussadeva) of Wat Ratchabophit, and also received esoteric teachings from his preceptor, becoming a well-known kru (teacher) of amulets and sacred practices.

As abbot of Wat Bueng Thong Lang, he became a disciple of Luang Pu Thong Ayana of Wat Lat Buakhao (Ratchayotha), Phra Khanong, Bangkok. He was also a close associate of other prominent monks, including Luang Pu Khong Dhammachoto of Wat Bang Kapom in Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province; Luang Pho Chaem of Wat Chalong, Phuket; Luang Pu Iam Suvannasaro of Wat Nang, Bangkok; Luang Pu Phueak Paññādaro of Wat King Kaew, Samut Prakan; Phra Palad Hun Suvannasaro of Wat Nuanchan, Bangkok; and Luang Pho Phueak (Wat Lat Phrao), Bangkok.

Phra Khru Thammasamachan (Phak Thammatatto), born with the surname Yaempitak (1876–1958), was also known as Luang Pu Phak and Luang Pho Phak. He was born in Sawankhalok, Sukhothai Province, on a Saturday in the 6th lunar month of 1876 (BE 2419). His name “Phak” (“rest”) came from the story that his mother went into labor unexpectedly while resting under a tree during a journey, and he was born there.^[1]

At the age of eight, his father took him to Bangkok and placed him as a temple boy at Wat Suthat under Somdet Phra Wanarat (Daeng). There he studied the Vinaya, Buddhist scriptures, ritual chanting, craftsmanship, and meditation. In 1896 (BE 2439), he was fully ordained at Wat Suthat, with Somdet Phra Wanarat (Daeng) as preceptor and Ariyavangsagatayana (Pae Tissadeva) as kammavācācariya. He received the monastic name “Thammatatto.”

In 1902, following the passing of the abbot Phra Athikan Sin, he became abbot of Wat Bueng Thong Lang. In the same year, he was appointed as preceptor. Seeking further training, he studied under Luang Pu Thong Ayana, a revered master of protective charms and sacred sciences. Luang Pu Phak became proficient in sacred scripts, protective yantras, and the making of powder amulets, particularly the Trinisinghe yantra, which he transmitted to many disciples.

In 1902, he was appointed abbot of Wat Bueng Thong Lang. Two decades later, in 1922, he was formally appointed as a preceptor. In 1953, he received two significant recognitions: he was granted the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Thammasamachan and was also appointed as the subdistrict ecclesiastical head.

Luang Pu Phak made significant contributions to both religious and social development. In 1932, he founded Wat Bueng Thong Lang School and supported its funding.^[2] He secured more than 300 rai of temple land (thoranisong) as the property of Wat Bueng Thong Lang, much of which was later allocated for public benefit. Portions of this land were used to establish Wat Bueng Thong Lang Primary School, Wat Bueng Thong Lang Secondary School, and the Bangkok College of Arts and Crafts. Other areas were designated for community settlements, including Bueng Thong Lang 101, Chanthrasuk Community (Ladprao 87), and Wacharapranee Community (Ram Inthra).

He also played a central role in training numerous monks and lay practitioners, leaving behind a wide circle of disciples. Under his leadership, several important temple structures were constructed, including the ordination hall (1920 CE / BE 2463), preaching hall, vihāra, monk’s quarters, and other facilities. In addition, he contributed to the development of schools that went on to educate thousands of students.

• Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Indochina, 1942 (BE 2485)^[3]
• Phra Rod, Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai, 1953 (BE 2496)
• 25th Buddhist Century Commemorative Amulets (BE 2500)

• Somdet Dam (Black Somdet) of Luang Pu Phak – Created using sacred powders from Somdet Phra Sangkharat Pae, Wat Rakang, Wat Bang Khun Phrom, Wat Sam Pluem, Wat Plub, and others. Believed to have been consecrated before 1957.

Luang Pu Phak Thammatatto is remembered as a pioneering abbot who strengthened the foundations of Wat Bueng Thong Lang, expanded its land and institutions, and trained generations of disciples. His amulets continue to be highly regarded by collectors and devotees.