In his early life, he reportedly engaged in robbery and was involved in many murders.
He was called Tha Byu ("younger brother") by Judson when they first met.
Judson recalled that Tha Byu was a vicious and angry person when they first met, and Tha Byu confirmed this.
After his conversion, though, Tha Byu became an energetic missionary to the Karen people.
After twelve years, 1,270 Karen had been baptized, with many other believers.