Luang Phor Pae Khemangkaro (Thai: หลวงพ่อแพ เขมงฺกโร, 1905–1999) was the abbot of Wat Pikulthong in Singburi, appointed at just twenty-six and famed across Thailand for his Somdej amulets and his lifelong temple-building — one of modern Thailand's most revered Somdej masters.
Life: an abbot at twenty-six
Luang Phor Pae was born on 1 January 1905 in Tha Chang District, Singburi. His mother died when he was eight months old, and he was raised by adoptive parents. From the age of eleven he studied Pali at Wat Pikulthong under Ajahn Pan and Ajahn Pom, later continuing in Bangkok before returning at sixteen to be ordained a novice. Diligent and having passed his examinations, he became abbot of Wat Pikulthong in B.E. 2474 (1931) at just twenty-six. Over the following decades he poured himself into rebuilding and expanding the temple. He passed away on 10 February 1999 at the age of ninety-four, after more than seventy years in the monkhood, with a funeral held under royal patronage.
Somdej amulets and his blessing method
Luang Phor Pae is best known for his Somdej amulets. He began making his first batch about six years into his abbotship, with the help of Luang Phor See of Wat Praphrand, to finance the temple's reconstruction. A hallmark of his Somdej is that he blessed them with the Chinnabanchorn (Jinapanjara) katha — and so his Somdej are famed for powerful Metta Maha Niyom (loving-kindness and popularity), with wearers reporting goodwill and support from others.
Signature batch: the Rainbow Somdej
Among his many Somdej batches, the B.E. 2517 (1974) "Rainbow Somdej" (Somdej Than Saem 2517) is especially renowned and collector-sought. The Luang Phor Pae Somdej Pim Than Singh (B.E. 2515) we offer comes from this Somdej lineage, with clear provenance, year, and consecration details.
His place in the Somdej tradition
The Somdej is the head of the Benjapakee, tracing to Somdej Toh. Original kiln Somdej are museum-grade relics; the realistic way for ordinary people to enter the Somdej tradition is exactly through modern masters like Luang Phor Pae — orthodox in lineage, famous for their blessing, and accessible in price.
FAQ
What are Luang Phor Pae's Somdej known for?
Metta Maha Niyom — loving-kindness and popularity. He blessed his Somdej with the Chinnabanchorn katha, and wearers seek goodwill, support, and smooth relationships, along with all-round protection.
What is his most famous batch?
The B.E. 2517 "Rainbow Somdej" is the most celebrated and collector-sought. He made many Somdej batches over the years; look for clear provenance, year, and consecration records.
How do his Somdej relate to original kiln Somdej?
Original Somdej from Somdej Toh's era are museum-grade relics beyond most buyers. Luang Phor Pae is a modern Somdej master whose orthodox, affordable batches are the realistic path into the Somdej tradition.
Can an ordinary buyer get a Luang Phor Pae Somdej?
Yes. His batches are plentiful and widely circulated; judge a piece by clear provenance, year, and consecration through a trusted channel — for example the LP Pae Somdej 2515.
Last updated: July 2026 | Author: The Merit Messenger Team (based in Bangkok)
Looking for a Luang Phor Pae Somdej with clear provenance? See the LP Pae Somdej Pim Than Singh 2515, or contact us. For terminology, see the Thai amulet glossary.