Retired Police General Selling Rare Golden Buddha Statue
Retired Police General Somsakdchai Amorsongcharoen is selling a rare solid gold Phra Somdej Buddha statue from King Rama V's era for 300 million baht, one of only eight ever created. He hopes a Thai collector will preserve the historically
On July 10, retired Police Major General Somsakdchai Amorsongcharoen, formerly commander of the Nonthaburi City Police Station, revealed his intention to sell a solid gold Phra Somdej Buddha image inherited from the era of King Rama V. The statue, one of only eight created by royal decree and blessed by Somdej Phra Buddhajaroen the Great, is being offered at 300 million baht. Somsakdchai explained that at his advanced age, with uncertain health prospects and descendants uninterested in religious artifacts, he fears this historically significant piece could be lost to those who don't appreciate its value. He decided to sell now while he can distribute the proceeds fairly to his family.
Somsakdchai noted that Japanese billionaires have already purchased three pieces at 3 billion baht each, with one remaining in his possession and the status of the other four pieces unclear. He set the price at 300 million baht—far below the 3 billion baht paid by Japanese collectors—specifically to ensure the artifact remains in Thailand and finds its way to a Thai owner with the means to properly care for it. He emphasized that all authentication checks have been completed, including scientific analysis, condition assessment, pawn shop verification, and expert certification.
Somsakdchai received this particular statue from his father around 2554 (2011) when his father served as commander of Nonthaburi City Police Station. The rarity of these eight statues makes them among the most expensive Buddhist amulets in circulation today, with minimal documentation of their origins known to the general public.
