Luang Phor Phat Punyakamo

Phra Ratchamongkhon Watcharacharn (พระราชมงคลวัชราจารย์), commonly known as Luang Phor Phat (หลวงพ่อพัฒน์; 12 May 1922 – 24 November 2023), was a Thai Buddhist monk and revered ajahn (teacher) from Nakhon Sawan Province. He was the former ecclesiastical advisor for Nakhon Sawan Province and the former abbot of Wat Tharatharn (also called Wat Huai Duan) in Nong Bua District.^[1]

Phat was born on 12 May 1922 in Ban Sra Thale, Yan Matri Subdistrict, Phayuha Khiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province, originally named Boonsong Konchanthes (later Phat Konchanthes). His father was Phut Konchanthes and his mother Kaew Konchanthes. He was ordained in 1946 at Wat Sra Thale, with Phra Dhamma Trailokacharn of Wat Khao Kaew (Nakhon Sawan) as preceptor. He received the monastic name Punyakamo.^[2]

He studied under many prominent teachers including Luang Pu Thet (Wat Sra Thale), Luang Phor Derm Phuttasaro, Luang Pu In (Wat Hang Nam Sakhon), Luang Pu Muk (Wat Sra Thale), and Luang Pu Mod (Wat Khok Duea). He also learned loving-kindness and charm practices under Luang Pu Chup of Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, Uttaradit Province, and served as abbot there for six years before returning to Wat Sra Thale.

In 1970, Phat moved to Wat Tharatharn (Huai Duan Temple), where he remained until his death. He became widely respected as a meditation master and ritual expert. In 2021, he received a royal fan of rank in commemoration of the royal coronation.^[3]

• (Unknown year) – Abbot of Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, Uttaradit Province
• 1970 – Abbot of Wat Tharatharn (Huai Duan), Nong Bua District, Nakhon Sawan Province
• 1983 – Ecclesiastical head monk of Tharatharn Subdistrict
• 2002 – Ecclesiastical advisor of Tharatharn Subdistrict^[4]
• Ecclesiastical advisor of Nakhon Sawan Province (Mahanikaya sect)

• 1962 – received the title Phra Khru Phat Punyakamo
• 5 December 1983 – became Phra Khru Niwit Punyakorn (Third Class Ecclesiastical title)
• 5 December 2000 – promoted to Second Class in same title
• 5 December 2002 – promoted to First Class
• 6 May 2021 – elevated to Phra Ratchamongkhon Watcharacharn Phaisarn Sasanakit Maha Kanisorn Bowon Sangharam Khamawasi (Royal Ecclesiastical title)^[5]

On 24 November 2023, Luang Phor Phat died peacefully at the age of 101 (77 vassa) at Bangkok Hospital. His body was brought to Wat Tharatharn later that day. In accordance with his wishes, his remains were preserved without cremation.^[6]

Funeral ceremonies were held at the 100th Anniversary Pavilion at Wat Tharatharn. On 26 November 2023, a royal bathing water ceremony was granted, followed by seven days of chanting ceremonies and continued merit-making rituals. A royal wreath was also presented at his coffin.