Introduction
Most Venerable Luang Por Thoon is one of the "Old Guard" disciples of the legendary Ajahn Chah. As one of the very first batch of monks to ordain and train at Wat Nong Pah Pong, he represents the root energy of the Forest Tradition. For over 55 years, he has lived a life of rigorous simplicity and deep meditative inquiry. He is particularly revered for his unwavering commitment to the original standards (Patipada) set by his teacher and for his role in establishing one of the earliest branch monasteries in the lineage.
Early Training: The First Generation
Luang Por Thoon’s monastic journey began at the very heart of the Ajahn Chah movement. He was among the pioneering group of disciples who helped build Wat Nong Pah Pong from a wild, malaria-ridden forest into a world-renowned center of practice.
He spent nine years in close proximity to Ajahn Chah, serving him personally and absorbing the Dhamma through the "osmosis" of daily life. This period was characterized by:
Severe Austerity: Practising with minimal requisites to break the mind's attachment to comfort.
Direct Instruction: Receiving personal guidance from Ajahn Chah during the formative years of the lineage.
Communal Labour: Learning that "work is practice," a hallmark of the Wat Nong Pah Pong style.
Abbot of Wat Pah Tam Seng (The 5th Branch)
Recognizing Luang Por Thoon's spiritual maturity and leadership capacity, Ajahn Chah appointed him to lead Wat Pah Tam Seng. Established 45 years ago, it holds a place of high honour as the 5th branch monastery of Wat Nong Pah Pong.
Under Luang Por Thoon’s guidance, Wat Pah Tam Seng has remained a sanctuary for those seeking the traditional "Forest Way." He has presided over the monastery for four decades, maintaining a stable and peaceful environment for generations of monks and laypeople.