Wat Chulalongkorn Denies Claims of Amulet-Making Requests
Wat Chulalongkorn in Samut Songkhram denies social media allegations that it requested outsiders to create sacred amulets, stating the temple conducts any amulet-making internally and only grants permission to charitable organizations with
Social media has been abuzz following a live broadcast by Boy Thaprachain, a renowned amulet expert, discussing the conduct of a prominent temple, prompting widespread online speculation. A Facebook post from the Big Krean page stated: "The amulet world is shaken again. Somchai and Yayeesigarae's drama is still unresolved—now another scandal has surfaced at a famous temple in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram."
On September 14, 2025, reporters visited Wat Chulalongkorn in Bang Chang subdistrict, Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram, to verify the facts. They found the temple operating normally, with staff and disciples performing their duties as usual. Visitors continued to come and pay respects to sacred objects, with particularly large numbers on weekends, though weekday visits were lighter due to ongoing rain.
Vivat (surname withheld), a scholar monk at Wat Chulalongkorn, stated that the social media posts only vaguely referred to "a famous temple in the central region or Amphawa district," so he did not believe they necessarily referred to Wat Chulalongkorn, as many other well-known temples in the central region attract large numbers of worshippers.
Regarding claims that outside individuals requested permission to create sacred amulets, Vivat said that during his tenure as a scholar monk and close association with the temple, he had never witnessed or learned that Wat Chulalongkorn had requested outsiders to create amulets. The temple's policy is to conduct any amulet-making itself in compliance with law and monastic rules. Any revenue must have a clear purpose, such as temple restoration, support for Buddhist activities, or public welfare work, not personal benefit.
Vivat added that charitable organizations or public-interest groups had occasionally requested permission to create amulets to fund their activities or communal robe-offering ceremonies. If the purpose was clear, the quantity certain, and the abbot agreed, permission might be granted in specific cases. However, the temple has never allowed ordinary individuals to create amulets for personal gain.
A temple disciple said he was unaware how the drama became linked to the temple, but recalled years ago witnessing a monk bring four or five outsiders to meet the abbot seeking permission to create certain sacred objects. After discussion, the abbot refused, and they left. The disciple confirmed seeing people request amulet-making, which the abbot declined, but could not confirm whether this relates to the current controversy, as there is no evidence connecting them. He emphasized that the abbot is compassionate and has helped people consistently.
Nok Daet (surname withheld), 51, a scholar monk at Wat Chulalongkorn, stated that following the news and attempts to link it to the temple, people inside have no further information.
