Phra Somdej Toh or (Archan Toh) B.E. 2331-2415 (The western Year 1788-1872), known formally as Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi, was one of the most famous Buddhist monks during Thailand Rattanakosin Period and continues to be the most widely known monk in Thailand. He is widely revered in Thailand as a monk who is said to possess magical powers, and his amulets are widely sought. Archan Toh is addressed among all devotees. He was named "Toh" before his monkhood and then "Phromarangsi" as his ordination name.
At 12, he was ordained as a novice monk at Wat Intharawihan temple in Bangkok. Archan Toh studied the Buddhist scriptures of the Pāli Canon with several Buddhist masters at Chao Khun Arunyik Institute. Later, he moved to Wat Rakang temple to further his studies of topics in Buddhist philosophies. After becoming a well-known monk, he became the preceptor for Prince Mongkut; when Prince Mongkut became a monk, he later became the King of Rama IV. During Rama IV's reign, the King gave Archan Toh the ceremonial name Somdej Phra Buddhacarya, and he used to be one of his trusted advisers.
One day, when Archan Toh was reading his holy book, a mysterious Sanskrit scripture textbook fell before him; he picked up the book and randomly read it. He immediately felt a large beam of divine light flashing around him and was blissful. Due to this response, Archan Toh decided to have the text translated into the Pali language, with his specialization in the scripture text. He then compiled the Chinabanchorn scriptures; the book consolidated the divine powers of the Buddha, the Arahants, and the Immortals from Heaven to protect those who recite the text of the scriptures.
From that time, Archan Toh became famous in Thailand as a monk who possessed magical powers, meditated on Chinabanchorn scriptures, and prayed to create the amulets called Phra Somdej. Thai People believed that charms made in Phra Somdej's image or either the creator Archan Toh hold excellent protection against negative energy and danger, enhance people's relationships, enhance marriage relationships, improve health, be free and save from evil forces, block disaster, and strengthen our career by adjusting the human aura field. Most importantly, it can bring peace to different walks of life.