Introduction
Luang Por Thong Daeng is a senior monastic of the Thai Forest Tradition, widely respected for his deep commitment to the dhutanga (ascetic) practices. Trained in the lineage of the legendary Ajahn Mun Bhuridatto, he is known for his calm presence and his profound experience in forest wandering. Having spent decades practicing in the secluded mountains of Northern Thailand, he now serves as the Abbot of Wat Doi Phra Chao Ton Luang in Chiang Mai.
Early Life and Dedication to the Path
Born in the province of Sakhon Nakhon—the heartland of the Forest Tradition in Northeast Thailand—Luang Por Thong Daeng felt a deep connection to the monastic life from a young age. He entered the Sangha as a novice at just 15 years old. At age 21, he took higher ordination as a Bhikkhu, formally committing his life to the pursuit of Dhamma.
Lineage and Training
Luang Por’s practice is rooted in the rigorous standards of the first-generation disciples of Ajahn Mun. He received formative guidance from his teacher, Venerable Ajahn Uttamo, a highly regarded forest monk known for his strict adherence to the monastic code and his mastery of meditation.
The Years of Thudong and Seclusion
A hallmark of Luang Por Thong Daeng’s monastic journey is his four-year "Tudong" pilgrimage. During this time, he practiced the wandering forest tradition in its most traditional form, walking from the Northeast of Thailand all the way to the Southeast. Living with only the most basic requisites, he utilized the challenges of the wilderness—hunger, weather, and the solitude of the forest—as tools to sharpen his mindfulness and develop inner resilience.
Following his years of wandering, Luang Por spent eight years under the tutelage of Luang Por Plien Panyapatipo at Wat Aranyawiwake in Chiang Mai. Luang Por Plien was one of Thailand’s most famous meditation masters, and training under him allowed Luang Por Thong Daeng to further refine his meditative insight and wisdom.
Leadership at Wat Doi Phra Chao Ton Luang
Today, as the Abbot of Wat Doi Phra Chao Ton Luang, Luang Por Thong Daeng maintains a sanctuary for monastics and laypeople seeking peace and spiritual development. His monastery in Chiang Mai reflects his own practice: a place of silence, natural beauty, and diligent effort.