Luang Phor Plai Chandasaro

Luang Pho Plai, Wat Kamphaeng (หลวงพ่อไปล่ วัดกำแพง; 1860–1946), ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Panya Khunakorn, monastic name Chanthasaro (ฉนฺทสโร), was a Thai Buddhist monk and preceptor in the Bang Khun Thian area of Bangkok.^[1]

Luang Pho Plai was born in 1860 (B.E. 2403) during the reign of King Rama IV (King Mongkut) in Bang Bon Tai sub-district, Bang Khun Thian, Thonburi Province (now part of Bangkok), into the Thonglue family. He was the son of Mr. Lue and Mrs. Thong and had four siblings.

In his youth he studied with Phra Ajahn That at Wat Sing. As a strong and tough layman in an area known for its local gang culture, the young Mr. Pail became the leader of the village youths and often participated in temple-fair brawls.

At the age of 23, in 1883 (B.E. 2426), he ordained as a bhikkhu at Wat Sing. His preceptor (upajjhaya) was Phra Ajahn That (Wat Sing), the prompter (kammavacajariya) was Luang Pho Phuang (Wat Kok), and the announcing teacher (anusavanajariya) was Luang Pho Dit (Wat Kamphaeng). He was given the monastic name "Chanthasaro" (ฉนฺทสโร).

After only two vassa (rains retreats), he was able to recite the entire Patimokkha. Later he was appointed a preceptor (Phra Upatcha) for the Bang Khun Thian area and gained widespread respect. He eventually became the abbot of Wat Kamphaeng.

In 1935 (B.E. 2478), when he reached the age of 75, the temple created several series of amulets blessed by him, including:

• Large spade-shaped cast medal (เนื้อฝาบาตร or brass)
• Standard spade-shaped cast medal
• Pentagonal cast medal with Buddha image (bronze, known as “rุ่นล้างป่าช้า” – cemetery-cleaning edition)
• Oval cast medal

These amulets remain highly sought after by collectors.

He served as preceptor and abbot until his death in 1946 (B.E. 2489) during the reigns of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and the beginning of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), at the age of 86 with 63 vassa.^[2]