Wat Pa Srikunaram in Ban Jeet Subdistrict, Ku Kaew District, Udon Thani Province, is preparing to hold the annual Kathin Samakkhi celebration on 1 November 2026, alongside issuing the first edition "Luang Pho Prajak–Luang Pho Boonsin" medals as keepsakes for disciples, Buddhists, and devotees participating in the merit-making event.
The creation of these medals arises from the wishes of disciples of Phra Ajarn Prajak Puripanyo and devotees of "Luang Pho Boonsin Chotipanyo" to commemorate their revered teachers during the Kathin Samakkhi event. The temple will present medals to those sponsoring a Kathin offering group at 1,000 baht per group.
The "Luang Pho Prajak–Luang Pho Boonsin First Edition" medal is made of copper, oval-shaped, approximately 2.5 by 3.5 centimeters. The front features a half-portrait of Luang Pho Prajak, details of the Kathin Samakkhi celebration on 1 November 2026, and the name Wat Pa Srikunaram, Ban Jeet Subdistrict, Ku Kaew District, Udon Thani Province.
The back displays sacred Yantra script with inscriptions "Victory Victory Namo Buddhaya" and "Victory in Battle, Auspiciousness, Great Fortune," along with Luang Pho Boonsin's signature. The lower edge shows a half-portrait of Luang Pho Boonsin with his name. Ornamental Kanok patterns decorate both sides, enhancing the medal's craftsmanship and beauty.
After creation, the medals will be placed inside the ordination hall of Wat Pa Srikunaram, where resident monks will perform consecration prayers during morning and evening chanting sessions for three months to impart blessings upon the donors.
Besides the commemorative medals, the temple is also producing Yantra cloths inscribed with "Victory in Battle, Auspiciousness, Great Fortune" to distribute to donors according to their level of faith, serving as additional mementos from the 2026 Kathin Samakkhi event.
Luang Pho Boonsin Chotipanyo is General Boonsin Padklang, known as "General Goong," former commander of the 2nd Army Region. While serving in this role with the rank of Lieutenant General, he was responsible for security operations in the Northeast and along the Thai-Cambodian border.
During his tenure as commander of the 2nd Army Region, he oversaw border situations including the Ta Kwai temple area and surrounding locations, sensitive zones concerning national security and sovereignty. He consistently upheld Thailand's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Currently, General Boonsin Padklang has entered monastic life under the name Chotipanyo. This inspired the creation of the "Luang Pho Prajak–Luang Pho Boonsin First Edition" medal to honor these teachers and continue the Kathin Samakkhi merit-making tradition.
The Kathin Samakkhi celebration at Wat Pa Srikunaram on 1 November 2026 is expected to draw many Buddhists and devotees, as it is a significant merit-making event following the end of Buddhist Lent. Devotees can sponsor Kathin offering groups according to their faith and receive the commemorative "Luang Pho Prajak–Luang Pho Boonsin First Edition" medal as a keepsake honoring their teachers and this important merit event.
