Luang Pu Suang, the Earth-Playing Angel: The Real Role and the Expected Role in Contemporary Southern Isaan Society

Abstract

Luang Pu Suang was a Cambodian Buddhist monk born into a farming family in Kulen Cheng village, Kulen District, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. He settled in Thailand in 1953, residing in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range along the Thai-Cambodian border. Villagers revered him as a virtuous and spiritually gifted individual, calling him “Luk Ta Be”, meaning “the hermit in the mountain cave”. He later became a full-fledged Buddhist monk according to Buddhist precepts.

Luang Pu Suang's role in Southern Isaan society is twofold: firstly, his role according to Buddhist principles in developing wisdom, morality, and contributing to society; and secondly, his role as expected by society and his disciples, focused on providing assistance in special circumstances. This reflects the dynamic of Buddhist monks between the framework of Buddhist doctrine and the needs of society, leading to an improvement in the quality of life for their followers.