Rare Coin Honoring Revered Isan Monk Luang Pu Kinaree Revealed
A rare commemorative coin honoring the revered northeastern monk Luang Pu Kinaree Chittiyo has been documented. The bronze coin was commissioned in 1978 by then-Supreme Commander General Kriangsak Chamanan, who later became Thailand's 15th prime minister, and features the monk's portrait alongside military insignia. Now considered a sacred artifact with complete Buddhist virtues, the coin has become a valuable collector's item.
Luang Pu Kinaree Chittiyo of Wat Kanthasilavas in Fang Daeng, That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, was a famous Vipassana teacher in Isan. He was a disciple who followed the tudong path with forest masters Luang Pu Sao Kantasilo and Luang Pu Mun Phuritatto. Born Kham Chan Si Mueang on April 8, 1896, in Ban Nong Hi, Pla Pak, Nakhon Phanom, he ordained at Wat Si Bun Rueang on April 3, 1922, at age 25. His preceptor Phra Ajarn Wong gave him the name 'Kinaree' with the title 'Chittiyo.' He was steadfast in discipline, teaching disciples never to neglect even minor precepts, living simply without accumulating possessions. He passed away peacefully on November 26, 1980, at age 84 after 58 rains retreats.
In 1978, a group of disciples led by General Kriangsak Chamanan, then Supreme Commander, commissioned a commemorative coin as a sacred object for distribution to soldiers, with some proceeds donated to the temple. The coin is shaped like a canna flower with a suspension loop, cast in bronze, though the exact mintage is unknown. The obverse features a raised rim with the inscription 'Wat Kanthasilavas, That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom' around the edge, a prominent half-body relief portrait of Luang Pu in the center with his robe folded in a lotus-like pattern, and 'Luang Pu Kinaree Chittiyo' below. The reverse has a raised rim with 12 yant characters on the left edge and 10 on the right, the Supreme Command emblem in the center, and below the words 'Souvenir from' with the rank 'Gen.', the signature 'Kriangsak Chamanan,' and 'Supreme Commander 21.5.21.' It is believed to be one of four editions Kriangsak had struck before becoming Thailand's 15th Prime Minister. The coin is considered to possess complete Buddhist virtues and is now a rare collector's item commanding high prices.
