Education and Early Career At the age of 10, Samrong began his primary education, studying from Grade 1 through Grade 4 at the public school of Wat Phutthawisaiyaram (Wat Tha Nam Phong). After completing his studies, he was appointed as a trainee teacher at the same school. In 1927, he moved to Bangkok to continue his studies at a technical engineering school and later enrolled at Yantawitthayanukroh Technical School. Upon graduation, he returned to Nam Phong District and worked as a driver. Entering the Monastic Life In 1931, upon reaching the age of 20, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Phutthawisaiyaram (Wat Tha Nam Phong). His preceptor was Phra Khru Kaeo of Wat Phichai Phatthana, with Phra Khru Samu Kham serving as the Kammavacacariya and Phra Khru Bunta as the Anusavanacariya. Initially, he intended to remain ordained for only one rains retreat. However, after the retreat ended, he no longer wished to disrobe. Inspired by a desire to study Buddhism more deeply, he pursued his religious education and passed the Nak Tham Tri (Elementary Dhamma Studies) examination during his first year as a monk. Aspiring to become a distinguished Pali scholar, his father introduced him to Chao Phraya Khun Thamthitiyan (Sangthong), Abbot of Wat Sutthachinda in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Reordination into the Dhammayut Order In 1933, he formally reordained into the Dhammayut Nikaya. His preceptor was Phra Phrommuni (Tisso Uan), Abbot of Wat Boromniwat, while Khun Thamthitiyan served as the Kammavacacariya and Phra Yanadilok (Phim) as the Anusavanacariya. He received the monastic name Khunawuttho. That same year, he passed the Nak Tham Tho (Intermediate Dhamma Studies) examination. The following year, he successfully completed Pali Studies Grade 3 and moved to reside at Wat Boromniwat in Bangkok. Continuing his studies diligently, he attained Pali Studies Grade 5 in 1940. After achieving this academic milestone, he turned his focus toward meditation practice and embarked on dhutanga journeys with fellow monks to gain spiritual experience. Practice and Teaching in Northern Thailand In 1939, he took up residence at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, where he taught Pali grammar and assisted Phra Yanadilok, who at that time oversaw the Dhammayut monastic community in Chiang Mai Province. During this period, Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta passed through Wat Chedi Luang, giving him the opportunity to pay respects, listen to Dhamma teachings, and receive meditation instruction from the revered master. Whenever possible, he traveled through the forests and mountains of Northern Thailand seeking solitude for meditation practice, and spent time with Ajahn Nu and Luang Pu Waen Sujinno. Ecclesiastical Service and Honors * 1940–1941 – Resided at Wat Boromniwat, Bangkok. * 1942 – Appointed Secretary to Somdet Phra Mahathirawong at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat, Bang Khen, Bangkok. * 1951 – Received the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Sri Maha Chediyaphimon. * 1954 – Elevated to the rank of Royal Ecclesiastical Prelate under the title Phra Sri Wisankhun. Following this, he undertook meditation journeys throughout Northeastern Thailand and studied and practiced under Ajahn Fan Acharo. Service to Than Por Lee and Wat Asokaram In 1957, he joined Phra Sutthithamrangsi Khamphiramethachan (Than Por Lee Dhammadharo) in organizing the celebration of the 2,500th Buddhist Era at Wat Asokaram. In 1960, he played a key role in the construction of Wat Asokaram’s ordination hall from beginning to completion. After the passing of Than Por Lee on April 25, 1961, Somdet Phra Mahawirawong (Chuan Utthayi) assumed patronage of the funeral ceremonies and temporarily oversaw Wat Asokaram. He later assigned Phra Sri Wisankhun to help administer the temple together with four committee monks. In 1962, Somdet Phra Mahawirawong appointed him Acting Abbot of Wat Asokaram and also designated him as a preceptor. During this period, he continued the construction of the Dhutanga Chedi. On December 5, he received the royal ecclesiastical title Phra Ratchaworakhun. In 1965, he oversaw the construction of the temple dining hall, known as Luan Wongwanich Hall, sponsored by the British Dispensary (Snake Brand). Khunying Thep Wannapruek also donated funds for the construction of another library building. In 1966, he was officially appointed Abbot of Wat Asokaram. That same year, the completion of the Dhutanga Chedi was celebrated. Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, accompanied by Princess Ubolratana, graciously attended the ceremony to enshrine the Buddha relics. The King also signed a commemorative stone inscription preserved at the Dhutanga Chedi. In 1968, he established the Sawangjit School of Buddhist Studies, funded by Mae Chi Sawang Chainawa. In 1974, he was appointed District Ecclesiastical Chief. In 1985, he was elevated to the rank of Royal Ecclesiastical Prelate of the Thep level and granted the title Phra Thepamoli. Final Years In 1991, due to advancing age and declining health, Phra Thepamoli resigned as Abbot of Wat Asokaram. The Sangha subsequently appointed Phra Yanawisit (Thong Jantasiri) as his successor. Later that same year, on August 22, 1991, at 11:18 AM, Phra Thepamoli passed away peacefully. He was 84 years, 1 month, and 14 days old, having spent 67 years in the monkhood. “Rūpaṃ jīrati maccānaṃ, nāmagottaṃ na jīrati.” “The physical form of all beings inevitably decays and deteriorates, but their name and lineage do not perish.”