code: A654

-Kruba Arnan Wat Don Chan

-Phra Narai Songkut (Garuda) Hanger

-Dimensions: 15 cm x 15 cm.

Phra Athikan Anan Anantoe, also known as Kruba Arnan, has been a beacon of hope for hilltribe students in northern Thailand for over two decades. As the abbot of Wat Don Chan, he has dedicated his life to supporting children from marginalized communities, including the Hmong, Akha, Karen, Yao, Tai Yai (Shan), and Lisu. He is most famous for his Ganesha amulets.

Kruba Arnan’s journey as the abbot of Wat Don Chan began in 1989 when he was appointed acting abbot. A year later, he was officially promoted to the position. His dedication to serving his community was further recognized in 2020 when he was appointed abbot of Nong Phak Rang – Tha Sala sub-district.

Driven by a desire to contribute to his country and honor His Majesty the King, Kruba Arnan has provided these students with a home, education, and a sense of belonging. His unwavering commitment to their well-being is evident in his teachings and actions.

Kruba Arnan’s philosophy of sufficiency, inspired by the King’s teachings, guides the students’ lives. He encourages them to live simply, eat together, and find joy in learning. The temple’s food supplies are generously donated by local people, ensuring that the children’s basic needs are met.

While the temple receives no financial support from organizations, it relies on the kindness of individuals who wish to contribute. Donations of consumer goods, such as washing powder and toothpaste, are particularly needed to support the children’s daily lives.

Kruba Arnan’s compassion extends beyond the temple walls. He has established an orphanage near Wat Don Chan to provide a loving home for children who are orphaned or facing poverty. The sight of children playing happily around the temple is a testament to the positive impact of his work.

Phra Athikan Anan Anantoe is a true inspiration, a man whose unwavering compassion and dedication have made a profound difference in the lives of countless hilltribe children. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Dedication to an Orphanage

Kruba Arnan Wat Don Chan is both a monk and a father figure, supporting over 500 orphaned children annually, with some years seeing up to 700 children. These disadvantaged children come from remote mountain villages with no one to rely on. Some have lost their parents or come from broken homes. He opened the temple as a home, providing care and education so that they can live fulfilling lives and not be a burden to society. This is part of a project for the development of the quality of life for orphans, poor children, and disadvantaged children, a mission he has carried out since 1985, or more than 37 years.

Wat Don Chan in Chiang Mai is a center for orphan care, sheltering over 1,000 lives. Luang Phor’s teachings have deeply touched Jan’s heart, especially his philosophy of life, living conditions, helping others, sharing, and providing opportunities.

The orphans and disadvantaged children here range from toddlers to older students, from kindergarten to university level. Some children travel from faraway mountain areas and are stateless. When they get sick, they cannot access healthcare due to their lack of a 13-digit national identification number. The money donated by laypeople is used to cover medical expenses, which can be very costly, but treatment is essential for their survival.

Luang phor doesn’t just open the temple to care for orphans; he also shares resources with the poor and needy in nearby areas or provinces, providing them with food and shelter. Even though there are so many orphans and disadvantaged children each year, his kindness and compassion are boundless. He is a monk who not only upholds religion but also turns the temple into a refuge for the poor, orphans, and those without hope. He also supports homes for the elderly and disabled. Each year, stacks of over 200 documents are submitted, seeking his assistance.