Wat Khunaram is an unusual spot – it is home to Koh Samui’s mummified monk. Luong Pordaeng died in 1973 in a seated meditation position.
It is said that before he died he told his followers that, should he begin to decompose, his body should be cremated. And if he showed little signs of decay, he should be placed on public display as a reminder of the teachings of the Buddha.
Shockingly, the monk appears to show very few signs of decay in almost 50 years since his death! Though the sign of a dead body is a little shocking to tourists, the mummified monk provides Thais with the opportunity to reflect on the end of life and the natural order of being reborn into a better place.
The monk lived a long life, thought to be the result of a good diet and long meditation sessions. Though there are several mummified monks on Koh Samui, Luong Pordaeng is the most deeply respected.
