Thai Buddhist Amulets Gain Popularity Among Collectors Nationwide
The article explores several highly regarded Thai Buddhist amulets, detailing their origins, designs, and popularity among collectors. It highlights the first edition copper amulets of Luang Ta Phoong from Yasothon, the black‑copper series of Luang Pho Phan from Sakon Nakhon, the rare Nang Kwak pieces of Luang Pho Jae from Chachoengsao, and the gilded Sangkachchai amulet of Luang Pho Pra from Chai Nat. All are described as sought‑after items in the amulet‑collecting community.
Luang Por Cha’s saying that ‘abandoning evil and refraining from wrongdoing is hard’ sets the tone for a look at several venerated monks and their amulets. Luang Ta Phoong (Phong Sukhinthiri), former abbot of Wat Si Thammaram in Yasothon, created the first edition of 2,000 copper amulets on 18 February 1970 to honor the ecclesiastical title of his disciple Phra Khun Amon Wisut; the oval pieces bear his half‑length portrait on the front and a three‑tier yantra with the inscription ‘In commemoration of the ecclesiastical title celebration at Wat Si Thammaram, Yasothon Province, 18 Feb 13’ on the back. Luang Pho Phan (Panya Pattidepo), ex‑abbot of Wat Pa Patip Punnyaram in Sakon Nakhon, released a 1978 series of 4,200 black‑copper oval amulets stamped with various sacred characters and a central image of the monk seated in meditation. Luang Pho Jae (Tissaro) of Wat Pho Chaloem Rak in Chachoengsao is famed for his 1959 Nang Kwak amulets—silver and alpaca depictions of the wealth‑bringing deity limited to fewer than 1,000 pieces—that now command high prices. Finally, Luang Pho Pra (Attasanto), former abbot of Wat Kok Dok Mai in Chai Nat, produced a 2011 powder‑based Sangkachchai amulet gilded in gold, intended for disciples to wear as a personal talisman.
