Luang Phor Jad Khankhasaro

Luang Pho Jad (หลวงพ่อจาด; born 17 March 1872 – died 10 June 1956) was the former abbot of Wat Bang Krabao in Prachinburi Province, Thailand. He became widely known during the Second World War for his amulets, especially the ones rhymed in the popular saying: Jad, Jong, Khong, Yi. Among his sacred amulets, the most highly valued are the Full-Seated Enameled Coin (issued in 1940) and the J. Charoenlap Coin, both of which in pristine condition can reach prices in the hundreds of thousands of baht.^[1]

Luang Pho Jad was born on 17 March 1872 during the reign of Rama V in Chachoengsao Province. His father's name was Mr. Poeh Wongkamnuch, and his mother died when he was still a child.

He was ordained as a monk on 13 April 1893 with Luang Pho Thong of Wat Luang Preechakul as his preceptor, Phra Ajahn Ouan of Wat Ban Sang as his teaching preceptor, and Phra Ajahn Lee of Wat Bang Khang as his instructor.

After ordination, he spent his first rains retreat at Wat Koh Kaew Weluwan in Chachoengsao Province, where he studied meditation under Phra Ajahn Chan. In his second year, he continued his Dhamma studies at Wat Kraisi, Bangkok, under Phra Ajahn Yu. By his fourth year, he returned to reside at Wat Bang Krabao, Prachinburi Province.

He became District Ecclesiastical Head (Chao Khana Khwang) of Ban Sang District in 1918 and was appointed a preceptor in 1927. Later, he was granted the ecclesiastical title of Phra Khru Sittisarakun.^[2]

During the Greater East Asia War (1940), many famous monks across Thailand created protective amulets for soldiers. Luang Pho Jad made a distinctive seated full-body coin, depicting a Buddha image with Maha Udom yantra on the reverse and a lotus motif. ^[3] These coins were struck in both enameled silver and bronze versions and became widely known for their reputed miraculous powers.^[4]

Luang Pho Jad died on 10 June 1956 during the reign of Rama IX, at the age of 84 and after 63 vassa (rains retreats).