Luang Pu Thong Ayana

Luang Pu Thong Ayana (Pali: Ayana, also known as Uṭṭhāyano; 1820 – 1937 CE; BE 2363 – 2480) was a highly revered Thai Buddhist monk and meditation master noted for his longevity, living to the age of 117.^[1][2] He was renowned for his strict practice, deep knowledge of Buddhist incantations and protective charms, and for being the teacher of Luang Pu Phueak Paññādaro. Among his lay devotees was Phraya Phahonphonphayuhasena (Phot Phahonyothin), the second Prime Minister of Thailand.^[3]

His sacred objects include amulets, holy powder, betel nut charms, and inscribed shirts, though the most popular and highly sought-after are his first-issue commemorative coins.^[4]

Luang Pu Thong Ayana was born in BE 2363 (1820 CE), in the late reign of Rama II (King Phutthaloetla Naphalai). He was the son of Mr. Huat Sae-Lim, a Hoklo Chinese immigrant, and a Mon mother.^[1]

He was ordained in BE 2384 (1841 CE) at Wat Ngoen Bang Phrom in Taling Chan, with Phra Khru Vinai Kitjari Thera (Phu), the second abbot of Wat Ngoen Bang Phrom, as his preceptor. He received the monastic title Ayana in Pali.^[2]

After ordination, he resided at the monastery, studying Buddhist scriptures and caring for his preceptor. Later, he practiced ascetic wanderings in search of liberation. When Wat Ratcha Yotha (Wat Lat Buakhao) was completed, he was invited to become its first abbot.^[4]

Luang Pu Thong Ayana was a younger contemporary of Somdet Toh of Wat Rakhang and a disciple of Luang Pu Saeng of Wat Maneechonlakhan.^[3]

Among his well-known disciples were:

1. Luang Pu Khong Dhammachoto
2. Luang Pho Chaem
3. Luang Pu Iam Suvannasaro of Wat Nang Ratchaworawihan
4. Luang Pu Phueak Paññādaro of Wat King Kaew
5. Luang Pu Phak Thammatatto of Wat Bueng Thong Lang, Lat Phrao, Bangkok
6. Phra Phalat Hun Suvannasaro of Wat Nuanchan (Bang Khwad), Bangkok
7. Luang Pho Phueak (Wat Lat Phrao)
8. Phra Khru Phichai Narongrit of Wat Sitaram (Wat Khok Moo), Bangkok

Luang Pu Thong produced only one official coin issue, in BE 2480 (1937 CE), created by his close disciple Ajarn Kaew Kamwiboon. Two main types were made: silver and bronze (both blackened and unblackened), in an oval shape with integrated loop.^[2]

The obverse depicts Luang Pu Thong in monastic robes, in profile, surrounded by a beaded rim and Thai inscription reading: “Than Ajarn Thong, Wat Ratcha Yotha, age 117 years.” The reverse bears yantra inscriptions and the inscription Kaew Kamwiboon, first edition.

The coins were consecrated by Luang Pu Thong himself. Only one known photograph of him survives, taken as he descended from his kuti to take the midday meal.^[3]

He died peacefully in BE 2480 (1937 CE) during the reign of King Ananda Mahidol, at the age of 117, with 96 rains retreats as a monk. He was thus one of the longest-lived Thai monks, spanning seven reigns.^[1]

In BE 2477 (1934 CE), Ajarn Kaew organized a forest robe-offering ceremony to raise funds for Wat Ratcha Yotha’s renovation and requested Luang Pu Thong’s permission to mint commemorative coins. The elder consented and contributed leftover bronze from casting the main Buddha image for the ubosot, along with 48 copper yantra sheets, to be used in the smelting process.^[4]

Ajarn Kaew asked for Luang Pu Thong’s age to inscribe on the coin, to which he replied “117 years,” although he was in fact only 114. A total of 4,800 copper coins, 480 silver coins, and 12 gold coins were minted and later consecrated by Luang Pu Thong.^[2]

Three years later, in BE 2480, he died. A second series of “sunken face” coins was struck in BE 2481 for his funeral, using old remnants of bronze, silver, and copper from the first minting. These were distributed at his cremation ceremony.^[3]