Amulet market booms after abbot's death

The death of the revered abbot Luang Phor Khoon has got the country's amulet markets buzzing.

The market in Nakhon Ratchasima, especially the one behind Thao Suranari Monument in Muang district has boomed since the abbot died on Saturday, said Nara Suramen, the owner of an amulet shop behind the monument.

Amulet masters have been seeking out old, high value amulets of Luang Phor Khoon while general collectors looked for "contemporary amulets" made after 1993 which are worth about 100-300 baht each.

The most highly sought-after talismans made and blessed by the revered monk are coins made in 1969, 1974 and 1976 which are estimated to range in value from thousands of baht to over a million baht each, according to Ms Nara.

She said it's difficult to assess the actual value of the amulet trade in the province at the moment as the monk's death is so recent.

Millions of people nationwide wear amulets, believing they can ward off evil spirits and danger, and also bring them happiness or success.

Narin Kuaytawimon, 39, the owner of an amulet frame-casing company in Muang district said her business has grown as more collectors want to have their Laung Phor Koon amulets encased in either plastic or metal, generating more income for her shop.

Sathit Boonpradit, who also owns a frame casing shop said his customer numbers have jumped from five to 20-30 per day.

In the capital, the image of Luang Phor Khoon (Mettamahaniyom series) made in 1994 is in high demand at Tha Phra Chan market on Maha Rat Road, according to an amulet master who asked not to be named, while the coins made in 1969, 1974, and 1976 are also popular.

Talisman prices are expected to rise when the sacred objects change hands, the master said, adding that while hundreds of amulets were made, thousands of people want to have them, which pushes up the prices.

Meanwhile, followers have flocked to Wat Ban Rai to pay their respects to a wax model of Luang Phor Khoon. He served as abbot of the temple, in Nakhon Ratchasima's Dan Khun Thot district.

Evening prayers of mourning will be held at Wat Ban Rai for 100 days, which started Sunday.

The abbot's body was moved to Srinagarind Hospital in Khon Kaen province, in keeping with his will which he made in mid-2000 when he asked that his body be donated to Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Medicine within 24 hours. His body will be used for medical studies for the next three years.

An urn with chat benja or a five-tiered umbrella, for the late Phra Thep Witthayakhom, the official clerical title of Laung Phor Khoon and a wreath given by His Majesty the King arrived Sunday at the university's 25 Year Pavilion where followers can pay their respects.

Also on Sunday, Phra Khu Peeradejthamrong, head of the tambon Kud Piman clergy ordered the appointment of Phra Pawana Prachanart (Nut Rattanawichayo) Wi, who is now 66 and has been in the monkhood for 22 years, as the acting abbot of Wat Ban Rai.

Luang Phor Khoon passed away at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital at 11.45am on Saturday at the age of 92.

The abbot had been suffering from respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding and one of his kidneys had also stopped functioning.