Luang Pu Thuat is deeply respected by many Thai people, as well as by people in neighboring countries, including Thai and Muslim communities in Malaysia. He is regarded as one of Thailand’s most famous legendary Buddhist monks, second only in popularity to Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi). This is the origin of his well-known title, “Luang Pu Thuat, the Monk Who Turned Seawater Fresh.” Although there is no conclusive evidence showing exactly which reign he lived in, many scholars believe that he lived during the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
History of Luang Pu Thuat
Luang Pu Thuat was the son of Mr. Hu and Mrs. Chan. His birth name was Pu. He was born in Ban Wat Liap, Sathing Phra District, Songkhla Province. When he was about seven years old (around B.E. 2132), his parents took him to study at Wat Kut Luang, now known as Wat Di Luang, a temple near his home. At that time, the abbot was Phra Juang, who was his uncle. Later, when he was 15 years old, Phra Juang ordained him as a novice monk.
He was diligent and eager to learn. Phra Juang later sent Novice Pu to continue his studies at a higher level. At that time, this level of study was called “Mulabot Banphakit”, which is similar to today’s Nak Tham Buddhist studies. He studied under Somdet Phra Chinsen, a senior monk sent from the Ayutthaya Kingdom to serve as the abbot of Wat Si Kuyang, now known as Wat Si Yang. Novice Pu completed his studies there in a short time. After that, he traveled to Nakhon Si Thammarat to pursue further education. He stayed at Wat Sema Mueang, an important Buddhist learning center, where Somdet Phra Maha Piyathatsi was the abbot. When he reached the appropriate age, he was ordained as a monk. Throughout his monastic life, he continued to study under many respected teachers.
Although there is no clear historical evidence confirming his existence, stories about Luang Pu Thuat’s sacred power have been passed down to the present day. Among them are several well-known legends about his miracles.
The first legend says:
While Luang Pu Thuat was staying at Wat Phakho in present-day Songkhla, he was believed to be over 80 years old. One day, he carried his sacred walking stick. The stick had three natural bends and was known by local people as the “Three-Bend Walking Stick.” He left the temple and walked toward the coast of the South China Sea. While he was resting during his walk, a Chinese pirate ship sailed along the shore. When the pirates saw him, they brought their ship to the shore and took him aboard. Not long after the pirate ship left the shore, something strange happened. The ship suddenly stopped and could not move forward. No matter what the pirates tried, the ship remained in the same place. It stayed there for many days and nights. Eventually, all the fresh water on board was used up. They had no fresh water left for drinking or cooking. Seeing their suffering, Luang Pu Thuat stepped on the side of the boat, causing it to tilt slightly. He then stretched out his foot and touched the surface of the sea. After lifting his foot, he told the pirates to scoop up some seawater from that spot and taste it. Although the pirates did not believe him, they had no other choice. To their surprise, the salty seawater had turned into fresh water. Witnessing this miracle, the pirates feared that misfortune would fall upon them. They immediately apologized to Luang Pu Thuat and respectfully took him back to the shore by boat. After that, the story spread far and wide, and people began calling him “Luang Pu Thuat, the Monk Who Turned Seawater Fresh.”
The second legend says:
During the reign of King Uthong, Luang Pu Thuat was appointed to a high monastic rank and was residing at Wat Phutthaisong in Ayutthaya. At that time, he wished to return to his hometown in Songkhla, so he traveled by a Chinese sailing ship. After visiting his hometown, he prepared to return. Before the ship departed, the crew spent their time drinking and forgot to store enough fresh water for the journey. Only a few days after setting sail, all the drinking water had run out. The crew blamed Luang Pu Thuat for their misfortune and decided to leave him on Ko Nu and Ko Maeo. At that moment, Luang Pu Thuat made a vow: “If I can still bring benefit to Buddhism, may the seawater where I place my foot become fresh water.” After placing his foot into the sea, he asked the crew to collect water from that spot and drink it. To everyone’s surprise, it had indeed become fresh water. The crew immediately apologized for disrespecting him. When they returned to Ayutthaya, the story quickly spread far and wide. From then on, people called him “Luang Pu Thuat, the Monk Who Turned Seawater Fresh.”
Although there is no definite historical evidence showing exactly which reign Luang Pu Thuat lived in, stories of his sacred power and miracles have continued to be passed down to this day. He is regarded as one of Thailand’s most highly respected legendary monks, and many believers continue to share stories of the miracles they have experienced through their faith in him.
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