Thai Monks Release Commemorative Amulets to Fund Hospital Construction
Thai monks from Chiang Mai, Ranong, Chaiyaphum, and Lopburi have released commemorative amulets to raise money for hospital construction and temple maintenance. The amulets feature detailed designs, signatures, and sacred symbols, and are being marketed as collectible items. Proceeds support the 150‑year anniversary building of Queen Siribat Hospital in Si Racha and various temple projects.
Luang Pho Ban Phutthasaro, the first abbot of Wat Upnanataram (Wat Dan) in Mueang Ranong and the province’s first ecclesiastical leader, created a highly sought‑after round‑oval amulet in 1954; only a few hundred were made and today they fetch five‑figure prices. The amulet depicts his half‑likeness, the inscription “Luang Pho Ban Wat Dan Ranong”, a side rim, and a reverse bearing a yantra and the Buddhist year 2497 in Thai numerals.
The “Chao Pho Phaya Lae” amulet honors the former governor of Chaiyaphum, Phaya Lae (Phra Phakdi Chumphon). First issued in 1978 as a copper piece with a raised wire rim, it features a frontal half‑body portrait, the title Chao Pho Phaya Lae, and a consecration ceremony; it remains popular among collectors in Chaiyaphum and surrounding areas.
Luang Pho Sung Kantanthammo of Wat Ban Sai in Lopburi launched the “Phra Phom Bandhal Tham” square‑diamond amulet to raise funds for the temple’s ubosot. The front shows him seated in meditation, accompanied by the temple name, his own name, and the numeric date 102-2557. The reverse bears a four‑faced Brahma yantra, a merchant’s heart, and four‑directional anom symbols, making it another worthy votive object.
