14/07/2026
Biography of Luang Phor Dam (Wat Mai Naparam)
Venerable Luang Phor Dam (Phra Khru Nipphanviharati), whose Buddhist name is **Janthasaro**, was born on **Tuesday, 15 April B.E. 2484 (1941)**, the Year of the Snake. His birth name was **Dam Krainoi**, and he was born in **Kok Jumbok Village, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province, Thailand**.
He was ordained as a Buddhist monk on **26 July B.E. 2504 (1961)** at **Wat Mai Naparam**. His preceptor (Upajjhaya) was **Phra Khru Nippatkalanyu**, while his Kammavacacariya was **Phra Palad Puang** and his Anusavanacariya was **Athikan Nui**.
After spending three years at Wat Mai Naparam, Luang Phor Dam moved to **Wat Prachaphirom**, where he devoted himself to the study and practice of **wicha** (traditional Buddhist sacred knowledge) under the guidance of several respected masters.
Although he visited **Luang Phor Kron of Wat Bangsek** for only two or three days, Luang Phor Dam himself clarified that he was **not** a direct disciple of Luang Phor Kron, despite rumors to the contrary. His principal teacher was **Luang Phor Dee of Wat Sanghasitharam, Narathiwat**, who was a disciple of Luang Phor Kron.
Luang Phor Dee was renowned for his profound mastery of sacred knowledge, particularly in the creation of **Phra Pidta** amulets and **Mai Kru** (sacred ritual staffs). He inherited from Luang Phor Kron teachings related to **Kongkraphan** (invulnerability), **Metta** (loving-kindness), **Maha Niyom** (popularity), and **Maha Lap** (great fortune). Despite his abilities, Luang Phor Dee rarely produced amulets and was known as a **"Wachasit"** master, whose spoken words were believed to manifest as reality. He maintained a humble and low-profile lifestyle.
Luang Phor Dam placed particular emphasis on **Vipassana meditation** and **Kammatthana** (forest meditation). One of his close meditation companions was **Luang Phor Boon Thiam of Wat Chok Aerong**. Together, they frequently undertook **tudong** (wandering ascetic practice), traveling through northern Thailand, including the Isan region and Chiang Mai.
Luang Phor Dam also revealed that he had encountered a very elderly meditation master who taught him the sacred art of creating **Palad Khik** amulets. This aspect of his knowledge was known only to his close associates and disciples. Although he was highly skilled in crafting these amulets, he seldom publicized this expertise, partly because Tak Bai had a large Thai Muslim community. He explained that while local Muslims were respectful of Buddhism and often made offerings to temples, they might not fully understand the symbolic nature of Palad Khik amulets.
In addition to Luang Phor Dee, Luang Phor Dam studied under several other distinguished masters, including **Luang Phor P*e** and **Luang Phor Pae of Wat Phikun Thong**. He also became highly respected for his mastery in creating **Mai Tao** or **Mai Kru** (sacred ritual staffs). His knowledge in this field was inherited through the lineages of Luang Phor Kron of Wat Bangsek, Luang Phor Dee of Wat Sanghasitharam, and Luang Phor Gaet, the abbot and ecclesiastical leader of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
According to accounts from his disciples, while practicing meditation in the forests of Ayutthaya, Luang Phor Dam is believed to have spiritually averted a devastating flood. Following his extended period of forest meditation, he returned to Narathiwat.
His ecclesiastical appointments include:
* **B.E. 2518 (1975):** Appointed Abbot (Chao Awat) of Wat Mai Naparam.
* **B.E. 2527 (1984):** Appointed Chao Khana Tambon (district ecclesiastical administrator).
* **B.E. 2528 (1985):** Appointed as an Upajjhaya (preceptor authorized to ordain monks).
* **B.E. 2534 (1991):** Received a higher ecclesiastical title in recognition of his service to the Thai Sangha.
Today, Luang Phor Dam is remembered as a highly respected meditation master and practitioner of traditional Buddhist sacred knowledge, particularly in the fields of Vipassana meditation, sacred ritual implements, and protective Buddhist arts. His humility, dedication to spiritual practice, and commitment to preserving traditional lineages have earned him enduring respect among devotees and disciples.
