Luang Por Cheu was born in Huai Krod on Sunday, December 11, 1904, in the Year of the Dragon. He was the son of a farmer from the "Pan Kwan" family. His father was named Nai Pail, and his mother was named Nang Mee. He was the third of seven siblings. At the age of 17, his father brought him to study under Luang Por Kong at Wat Mai Bam Phen Bun, a well-known monk of that time. Luang Por Kong was of the same generation as Luang Pu Sukh of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao (though he was younger) and frequently visited Luang Por To of Wat Wihan Thong. The amulet created by Luang Por Kong in 1934 has become a popular talisman in the province. When he turned 20, Luang Por Cheu was ordained at Wat Mai Bam Phen Bun with Luang Por Kong Yosakiro serving as his preceptor, Phra Athikarn Tia from Wat Klang as the officiating monk, and Phra Phrom as his ecclesiastical instructor. He was bestowed the monastic name "Sukkhavanno." After his ordination, he studied the Buddhist scriptures at the Satharadarat Religious Institute in Ta Aeh, Wat Sing, Chainat Province, where he passed the second level of the Buddhist examinations.