Revered Monk Amulets: Luang Pho Ruay's First Edition Medal
Luang Pho Ruay's first edition medal from 1970 features his image on nickel-plated alpaca and is one of only 1,500 cast to commemorate his ecclesiastical rank elevation at Wat Tao in Ayutthaya. Devotees believe the amulet delivers personal
"Buddhist practice follows the path of the Buddha through righteousness and patience," according to Luang Pho Cha Suphattho of Wat Nong Pa Pong in Ubon Ratchathani. Luang Pho Ruay Pasattiko, also known as Phra Mongkhon Sitthacharya, was a revered meditation master from Wat Tao in Phachi District, Ayutthaya. While his rope bracelets (les) gained fame, his first edition medal—struck on April 18, 1970, to commemorate his elevation to ecclesiastical rank—has become equally popular. The medal features a cylindrical design with integral loops, showing his half-figure facing forward on the obverse, inscribed "Phra Kru Sunthorthamniwittha (Samruay)" below. The reverse displays ornate Pali script with text marking the ordination celebration and Wat Tao. Only 1,500 medals were cast in nickel-plated alpaca. Owners of this amulet are believed to receive personal blessings.
Luang Pu Thom Kallyano, former abbot of Wat Thammapanyaram in Sukhothai, was another renowned meditation master whose consecrated amulets attracted widespread devotion across multiple editions. His first portrait medal from 1965, cast to raise funds for an ordination hall, featured an oval form with ring loops and remains exceptionally rare today.
Phra Kru Chanthasirithorn (Luang Pho Saran Chanthupo), abbot of Wat Dong Noi in Lopburi, produced the "Pok Krang Medal B.E. 2555" with a distinctive oval design and solid ring loops. The reverse incorporated a mixture of sacred substances blended with powder from Luang Pho Kaew of Wat Khruea Wan—a single amulet with exceptional potential.
Luang Pho Kuay Chutindhorn of Wat Khositaram (Wat Ban Kae) in Chai Nat was a celebrated teacher whose first edition medal, cast in 1961 from bronze-plated gold in approximately 5,000 pieces, displays his full seated figure. The reverse contains powerful sacred yantra, including the Crown Chakra of Buddha bound by Tripitaka incantations and protective spells. These medals have become extremely rare and command high veneration prices.
