Famous Monks in Thailand
Phra Buddhacara
Toh Phramarangsi
(Somdej Toh)
Somdej Toh was born in 17 April 1788 (BE 2331). One of the most famous Buddhist monks during Rattanakosin period. It is believed that he is the son of King Rama II. He was ordained as a novice monk in 1800 (BE 2343) at the age of 12 and as a monk in 1807 (BE2350) under the Royal Patronage at Wat Praseeratanasasadaram (Wat Phra kaeo) in Bangkok. He studied the Buddhist scriptures of the Pali Canon with several Buddhist masters. The venerable monk was known to be a good speaker as well as a highly intelligent and compassionate person.
His tenure in the monastery began in the reign of King Rama I until the reign of King Rama IV, a total of 65 years. He was noted for the skill of his preaching and used of Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism and for making amulets called Phra Somdej. This highly revered Phra Somdej amulet is originated from Wat Rakhang "Temple of Bell" in Bangkok.
In 1864 (BE 2407) at the age of 76 during Rama IV reign Somdej Toh was given the ceremonial name Phra Buddhacara Toh Phramarangsi.
Somdej Toh passed away on 22 June 1872 (BE 2415)
at the age of 85. He is probably one of the most respected monks in Thailand.
Location: Wat Rakhang Kositaram, Bangkok
