Khruba Chaiyawong


Phra Khru Phatthanakitchanurak also known as Khruba Chaiyawongsa or Khruba Wong, with the dharma name Candavaṃso, was a Thai Buddhist monk and community developer from Lamphun province. He served as the abbot of Wat Phra Phutthabat Huai Tom and was a disciple of Khruba Siwichai.

Early life

Khruba Chaiyawong was born as Chaiwong Taenam on 22 April 1913 at 00:15, in the year of the Ox, to Noi Chanta and Bua Kaeo. His family were poor farmers devoted to Buddhism. At age 12, he adopted a vegetarian diet and became a novice under Khruba Chaiyalangka, receiving the Dhamma name Jayalaṅkā.
As a novice, he endured physical bullying from peers but remained patient and forgiving. He traveled with Khruba Chaiyalangka to various locations and later received full ordination at Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha on 2 February 1933, under Khruba Brahmachak, taking the Dhamma name Jayavaṃsā. He traveled further and converted a local Karen community, who settled around Wat Phra Phutthabat Huai Tom and adopted his practices.
At age 22, upon learning that Khruba Siwichai was leading locals to build the road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, he helped lead a group of Karen volunteers to assist. Afterward, he returned to Wat Chom Mok, Omkoi district. Due to opposition against Khruba Sriwichai, local authorities forced Khruba Chaiyawong to disrobe. He adopted white robes but continued to strictly follow monastic practices. He assisted in restoring Wat Ban Pang and traveled with Khruba Sriwichai until he died when Khruba Chaiyawong was aged 28. Later, he was re-ordained under Khruba Bunma of Wat Ban Hong with the Dhamma name Candavaṃso.
He restored various temples until aged 34 when he was invited to restore Wat Phra Phutthabat Huai Tom, where he remained for the rest of his life.
Khruba Wong suffered from heart disease and received treatment at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital until his death on 17 May 2000, aged 87, having served 69 rain retreats.

Ecclesiastical titles

  • 4 April 1971 – appointed by Phra Rajasutajarn (Singha Aphiwanso) as base-ranking Phra Khru Baidika
  • 5 December 1987 – promoted to Phra Khru Phatthanakitjanurak, second-rank abbot of a local temple
  • 5 December 1997 – promoted to second-rank abbot in same designation