Biography of Archan Khun Phan

Archan Khun Phan was one of the most well-known white-robed Ajahns of our time. His amulets, like the Phra Kring Pae Tong and JTK Pidta Panpakan have been known to be highly efficacious and are highly sought-after by discerning amulet wearers and particularly so since his death when prices of his amulets have increased many times over.

Archan Khun Phan is very well-known for his Visha (magic) and was frequently invited to participate in amulet-consecration ceremonies around Thailand.

Archan Khun Phan's Phra Khun Paen was recognised as one of the most efficacious Phra Khun Paen made in our times and many people have had good experiences in their lives after wearing Phra Khun Paen consecrated by Archan Khun Pan.

Archan Khun phan was the former chief of Police Region 8, Khun Phantharak Rajadej, and believed to be the last commoner holding the noble title Khun, died of old age in Nakhon Si Thammarat aged 108.

Known as a tough crime buster in the South over 70 years ago, Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej was respected by colleagues and local residents but feared by criminals. He was well-versed in Thai history and folklore and was a prolific writer, having penned articles for many publications. A master of rituals in Nakhon Si Thammarat, he advised on the installation of the city pillar shrine in the province in 1987.

Thai feudal titles were created in the Ayutthaya period. They were granted until just after the 1932 revolution brought an end to the absolute monarchy and feudalism in the country.The full title consisted of a prefix signifying the rank (bandasak) and an honorific name (rachatinnanam) granted by the monarch to a particular person, usually reflecting the profession he specialised in. In this case the rank was Khun and the honorific Phantharak Rajadej. The appointee would use the full title in place of his names.

Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej was born Butr Phantharak on Feb 18, in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Tha Sala district. He graduated from the Huay Chorakae police cadet academy in Nakhon Pathom in 1929.

He earned a reputation for wiping out many notorious criminal gangs in southern provinces such as Phatthalung and in the central provinces like Suphan Buri. As a reward, he was granted his title in 1935.

In 1960, he was appointed chief of Police Region 8 and promoted to police major-general. Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej retired in 1964. He entered politics and was elected as a Nakhon Si Thammarat MP for the Democrat party in 1973.

Funeral rites were held at Wat Mahathat Woramahawiharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district. His body was given royal bathing rites.