Luang Por (Thai: หลวงพ่อ; RTGS: Luang Pho) means "venerable father" and is used as a title for respected senior Buddhist monastics. Luang is a Thai word meaning royal or venerable. It is used in both family context and to express respect for monastics. Por is the Thai word for father. It is used in both family context and in venerations. For instance, Luang Por Ajahn Chah was a well-known and widely respected monk. In his middle and older years as respect for him grew, people sometimes referred to him simply as "Luang Por".