LUANG PHOR TOH

WAT PRADOCHIMPREE (2430 - 2524)

Prarat Sangwalapimon or Luang Pu Toh Intasuwano was born on 27 March 2430 in Ban Klong Nang Noi, Jangwat Samutsongkram (near Bangkok) to Khun Loy and Khun Tub Ruttanakon. He has a younger brother named Chuey. When he was 13, his parents passed away, and a relative named Luang Phor Kaew sent him to Wat Pradochimpree where he learnt under Luang Pu Suek. He studied dhamma under the then abbot, LP Phrom. He was ordained as a novice when he was 17, but unfortunately LP Suek passed away a day after the ordination. At that time, Khun Klai and Khun Pun (relatives of LP Suek) helped to support LP Toh until he was 20, when he was ordained as a monk. This happened at 3.30 pm on 16 July 2450 by LP Saeng of Wat Paknam. Also present as the preceptors were Praku Tamawirat (Chei) of Wat Gum Paeng and Praku Argatrahnusit (Porng) of Wat Nuanoradit. He was renamed ‘Intasuwano’ by LP Kum who was then the Abbot of Wat Pradochimpree.

After Ajaan Phrom passed away, LP Toh went to study dhamma under LP Rong of Wat Tagrabeua (Samusakon Province), LP Nium of Wat Noi (Supanburi Province) and LP Pum of Wat Bangklo (Bangkok). Sometimes, he also went Tudong in Northern Thailand. Because of his desire to learn more, he also moved to Wat Bhoti in Bangkok.

However, at the age of 26, he returned back to Wat Pradochimpree to succeed LP Kum who resigned from abbot position at the temple. He got to know LP Sodh of Wat Paknam, and they became close friends. Through the introduction of LP Pan of Wat Bangnonko (Ayudhya), he went to study magical science under Luang Phor Nong.

Even as Abbot of the temple, LP Toh would spend much time travelling to seek the knowledge that he desired. When LP Toh began to join the Buddhist ceremonies he also attempted to seek further knowledge. A close follower of LP Toh revealed that every time he was invited to a ceremony he would touch the sacred thread, and incredibly would know the strength of the magic power, if the power was strong he would enquire as to who created the sacred thread in order to learn further.
LP Toh was very popular and highly respected in Bangkok and involved in many mass chanting of amulets such as Phra Somdej Luang Por Pae Roon Raek chanting at Wat Suthat in BE2494, 25 Puttawat chanting in BE2500, Phra Luang Poo Thuat chanting at Wat Prasat in BE2506B, Phra Somdej 09 chanting at Wat Bahn Koon Prom in BE2509, Phra Somdej Roy Pee chanting at Wat Rakang in BE2515 etc. Whenever there were ceremonies such amulet chanting, fund raising etc, LP Toh would be invited, because by nature of hearing that he is invited, many people will come and give support.

Besides the general public, the present King of Thailand and the royal family respected Luang Poo Toh very much too. One can see from many photographs of the royal family had taken with Luang Poo Toh.

In BE2463, Luang Poo chanted the first batch of amulets made of Neua Phong. The most popular Pim from this batch is the Pra Somdej KaToh , which is very rare and expensive now. Since that time, Luang Poo Toh continue to chant many batches of amulets of many types, such as Pra Pidta, Somdej, Roop Meuan and Rians etc. All Luang Pu Toh’s amulets are very well-proven to be able to protect people from accidents and hardship.

He remained as the Abbot of the temple until his death on 5 March 2524. Luang Pu Toh was succeeded by LP Virojana-kittikun, who is the present abbot.