Phothan Ueam Katpunyo
Ueam | |
|---|---|
| Personal life | |
| Born | September 15, 1906 |
| Died | December 9, 2014 (aged 108)[1] |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Temple | Wat Bang Nian |
Phothan Ueam Katpunyo (Thai: พ่อท่านเอื้อม กตฺปฺญฺโญ; September 15, 1906 – December 9, 2014) was a revered Buddhist monk from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand, widely known in Thai Buddhism for his reputation in supernatural abilities, invulnerability, and compassion. He was among the few Thai monks to have lived through five reigns — from the era of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to that of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) — reaching the age of 108.[2]
Biography
[edit]Phothan Ueam was born on September 15, 1906, in the late reign of King Chulalongkorn, at house number 68, Moo 12, Karaket Subdistrict, Chian Yai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Before ordination, he was known as a daring and adventurous man — sometimes described as a “tiger” or fighter. According to local accounts, he once crossed paths with Police Major General Khun Phantharak Ratchadet, another figure trained in the esoteric traditions of Khao Or School magic. Their initial encounter reportedly led to mutual respect and eventual friendship.
Phothan Ueam entered monastic life for the second time on June 18, 1971, at Wat Pak Chian, Chian Yai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, with Phra Khru Thawonboonrat as his preceptor and Phra Manit Manito as his teacher in Buddhist discipline. He was given the monastic title Katpunyo.
After ordination, he resided at Wat Pak Chian to study Vipassanā (insight meditation) and monastic discipline. Later, he undertook ascetic wandering across Thailand — traveling north to Prachuap Khiri Khan and south to Khao Or and the Malaysian border. During these journeys, he practiced strict meditation and austerities, said to have “crossed 69 mountains,” dedicating himself fully to spiritual cultivation and the study of both Dhamma and esoteric sciences.
Over the years, Phothan Ueam became renowned across southern Thailand as a respected teacher and venerable master. He was believed to have created sacred amulets and charms associated with protection, compassion, and good fortune, which many devotees sought for spiritual blessings.
References
[edit]- ^ "Passing of "Phothan Ueam," a famous southern monk and companion of Khun Phantharakratchadet, aged 108". Thairath Online. 9 December 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
- ^ Biography of Phothan Ueam, Wat Bang Nian Archived 2011-10-18 at the Wayback Machine; Phothan Ueam Katpunyo Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine