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Formerly known as Khao Koratha, Luang Poo Khao was born on 28 December 1888 in Amnat Charoen District (Amnat Charoen Province at present) in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Married when he was 20 years old, he chose the monkhood as a way to escape a personal tragedy in 1919. During his austerity practice in the north in 1933, he met Phra Ajarn Mun Phurithatho, a very famous monk who he sometimes stayed with until 1945 when he moved to Wat Bor Chaneng. He moved to several other temples after that until he passed away on 16 May 1983 at the age of 95 while staying at Wat Thum Gong Pane in Nong Bua Lam Phu.
Luang Poo Khao was highly regarded for his dedication and was considered a scion of Buddhism. Not only did he preach to make the people at pious and virtuous citizens, he also established several schools such as Ban Kham Phittayakom School and Khamthatwittaya School to provide local people with educational opportunities. Even though he has long passed away, the people of Nong Bua Lam Phu take pride in calling their homeland The religious land of Luang Poo Khao.
Wat Tham Klong Phen, located at the foot of the Phu Phan mountain chain 13 kilometers from Nong Bua Lam Phu, is a peaceful and ideal place for those who seek mental tranquility. The temple used to be the meditation place for Phra Achan Luang Pu Khao Analayo, who is revered by Thais nationwide. In the temple grounds, there are a cave housing an ancient two faced drum, a stone engraved Buddha image and the Luang Pu Khao Museum. Inside is a collection of his utensils and a statue of Luang Pu Kao displayed for Buddhists to see and workship.
