Born on October 9, 1935 in Thonburi Province, which is now a part of Bangkok, Pratuang Emjaroen was the second of three sons in a family of poor orchardmen. His father, a public servant who was once served as a clerk in the Medical Department of the Royal Thai Army, was ordained a Samanera (a Buddhist novice) at the age of seven and remained in the Buddhist order for 25 years.

With such long priesthood behind him, he was well versed in the principled of Buddhism and led a calm and contented life in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha. He was well-liked and generous and a responsible family man. He was also especially skillful in all types of crafts and loved music-making, reading, and poetry composing. These qualities were passed on to all his three sons.

Pratuang spent his childhood in a lush and peachful orchard in Thonburi in the vicinity of the Chao Phraya River. In those days, Thonburi was profuse in fruit trees and its canals were teeming with fishes and other water creatures. Life then was simple and peaceful. Pratuang loved to swim to the Chao Phraya River. Refreshing streams and verdant trees filled him with happiness, and enabled him to appreciate the life-giving elements in nature.

His is a typical Thai family in the rural community. He was brought up by the rules of conduct that children obey adults, mind there parents, and help with household work as much as possible, and that parents raise their offspring according to religious precepts and lead their lives in conformity with traditional ways.

Pratuang went to an elementary school in the neighbourhood. During those school days, he enjoyed drawing and singing classes the most. He had just finished Prathom 4 (Grade 4) when his father passed away. Without the head of the family, his schooling came to an end.