Revered Phetchburi Abbot's Crossed-Pistols Amulet Sought by Collectors

Luang Pho Daeng Ratdo, or Phra Kru Yanawilat, of Khao Bandai Dit temple in Phetchburi's Muang district, was a highly respected Buddhist master renowned throughout Thailand. Born to the Unaeng family in Bang Jak subdistrict on the second day of the waning moon in November 1879, he worked in the fields as a child and had no formal education. At an early age, his parents arranged for him to be ordained and educated under Phra Achan Plian at Khao Bandai Dit temple.

At age 22, he underwent ordination at Khao Bandai Dit in Rai Som subdistrict, with Phra Kru Yanawisut of Gaen Lek temple as his preceptor. He received the monastic name Ratdo and became known for his strict observance of the Vinaya and his respectful conduct toward his teachers. Phra Achan Plian taught him Vipassana meditation and Kammatthan practice methods, sharing his knowledge generously. As his dedication deepened over the years, Luang Pho Daeng eventually became one of the most senior and exemplary monks, and upon his teacher's death, he assumed the role of abbot from 1918 onward.

Despite his administrative duties, he maintained his daily meditation practice in caves, seeking liberation. He never boasted of his spiritual achievements, but the power of his sacred blessing and incantations became evidently protective. On December 5, 1943, he was elevated in monastic rank to Phra Kru Sannyabat, taking the royal title Phra Kru Yanawilat and receiving a ceremonial certificate.

He was known for his kindness, good humor, and refusal to scold or insult anyone. He especially forbade harsh language toward parents, believing that disrespecting one's forebears diminished merit and lost divine protection. He passed away peacefully on January 16, 1974, at age 96 after 74 years in the monkhood. Before his death, he instructed his assistant, Phra Plad Bunsong Tammapalo, the deputy abbot at the time, to preserve his body in the chanting hall, place a blessed amulet coin in his mouth along with a silver ingot, and anoint his body with turmeric to give it a golden color. His wishes were carried out.

Luang Pho Daeng remains deeply revered by the people of Phetchburi. He created many talismanic objects on various occasions that became widely sought after. After his first amulet series gained popularity, another became especially famous: the officer and police rank amulet series of 1970.

This amulet was created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of military and police service by the Class of 12 officers (commissioned December 25, 1926), led by General Chalad Hiranyasiri as class president. The series was named "Japo" (an abbreviation), and all proceeds were used to build the Wat Hua Lam Phueng Thong (also known as Wat Ratchasima 12 December) in Samut Prakan province.

Luang Pho Daeng consecrated these amulets for three months before they were ceremonially blessed at Wat Bowornnivet, Bangkok, attended by many renowned monks from across Thailand. Approximately 60,000 amulets were produced in two types: thick-die and thin-die versions.

Among amulet collectors, this series became known as the "crossed-pistols amulet." The amulet is oval in shape with integral lugs. The obverse features a half-length portrait of Luang Pho Daeng facing straight ahead, with Thai text below reading "Commemorating 30 Years of Service." The edges feature inscriptions along the left and right margins in the center section.