Luang Phor Thuad was born in B.E 2125 (1582) in Suan Chan Village, Chumphol Dustrict, Sathing Phra in Songkla (Southern Thailand). His parent was Khun Hu and Mae Chan, a poor couple living in the place of Shrentthi Pan, the wealthy landlord. His parents name their child as “Pu” (meaning crab). Luang Phor Thuad began to learn about the Buddhist teaching in a temple nearby at the age of 5 years old. Rather talented as he was, he mastered all subjects his teacher could guide him within a year. He went to other temples over the hill and across the jungle to acquire further teaching every day. He became a monk at the age of 12 years old and devoted a full time study in the Dharma. His father passed away at the age of 72 years old when he was 30 years old. In order to further the studies in Buddhism, he went to other province.
From the present location, Wat Pa ko, Singora, Thailand, Luang Phor Thuad took a boat sailing northward to Ayuthaya province (former capital of Thailand). After sailing for half a day, the boat met with great storms. The boat was jolted and the passengers were frightened. The boat did not arrive at its destination after drifting for several days. The store of drinking water ran short. The boatmen gathered that their previous voyages had all been very smooth.The catastrophe might have been caused by the presence of the monks.They planned to push him into the sea. He could sense their intention. He consoled them that they needed not worry about drinking water as there was plentiful around. He stretched his leg out of the boat, the storm was pacified. With his leg, he drew a circle on the sea and told the boatmen to draw water within the circle for drinking.
The boatmen were angry at first as they did not believe that the sea water could be used for drinking. After his assurance they made a try and found that it was actually drinkable. One purposely tasted the water outside the circle and shouted that it was salty.The boatmen were amazed and did not take further steps to harm Luang Phor Thuad. On the next day, the boat arrived at the Ayuthaya province.Luang Phor Thuad walked for a few miles and was happy to see a stately temple in front of him.The monks in the temple refused to accept him as he was poorly clad. He turned to an old temple not very far away. The old keeper welcomed him and offered him board and lodging. He stayed there to study the scripture, to pay homage to the Buddha and to practised meditation for half a year.
A state governor from the south by the surname of Phang, a man with a comparatively dark countenance, wished to build a Buddhist temple. He came to Singora to look for a distinguished monk to head the project. One evening after sunset, he saw an old monk stroll along the seaside, leaving behind a trail of light. He knew that was the right person to approach. He stepped forward to pay due respect to the monk and told the monk his intention of building a temple in Pattani. Luang Phor Thuad already knew the matter through his psychic power. He consented and went with the governor Phang to Pattani. When the construction was completed, the temple was named Wat ChangHai. Luang Phor Thuad was abbot to this temple till he passed away at the age of 120 years old.
For over three hundred years Luang Phor Thuat has been exercising his power to help people in danger and accidents. His images were highly esteemed for their supernormal power. The image may protect the bearer from the disturbance by demons and relieve sufferings of a patient. Its effect in preventing accidents is especially noted.