Disgraced Monks: Can Their Amulets Still Be Worn?

The recent arrest of Ac Choke (Luang Por Atichot Dhammavaro) of Wat Phutthaisawan has naturally raised a question among collectors: can his amulets still be worn?

On 10 September 2026, Ac Choke was arrested following allegations involving the misappropriation of more than 92 million baht in temple funds, money laundering and other misconduct. These remain allegations pending the legal process.

For amulet collectors, however, I think we need to separate the conduct of the monk from the consecration history of the amulet.

Can the Amulets Still Be Worn?

Absolutely.

Many Wat Phutthaisawan batches were not blessed by Ac Choke alone. From my understanding, batches were often sent to Southern Thailand to be blessed by various Southern masters before returning to Wat Phutthaisawan for the final ceremony.

These final ceremonies were usually grand affairs, with other masters participating and Brahmins (Hindu priests) invited to complete the rituals.

Therefore, I would not consider these amulets spiritually dependent on Ac Choke alone. When evaluating them, it is more useful to study the batch, the masters involved and the actual consecration ceremony.

Personally, I still find the B.E. 2547, 2549, 2550 and 2552 batches very efficacious. The present scandal does not change my previous experience with these pieces.

Wearable, But Not an Investment

Where I think the real damage will occur is in collector value.

Amulet prices depend heavily on the reputation of the monk associated with them. Once that reputation collapses, collector confidence usually follows.

Personally, I would not be surprised if the floor prices of many Ac Choke-related pieces eventually fall by more than two-thirds, although rarer pieces may behave differently.

This could actually create opportunities for people who buy amulets primarily to wear rather than invest.

If genuine pieces from the better older batches become very cheap, I would still consider them good amulets to wear. I simply would not buy them expecting future appreciation.

My Take

My position is straightforward:

Can they still be worn? Absolutely.

The older Wat Phutthaisawan batches involved other masters and substantial consecration ceremonies, so I would not dismiss their efficacy because of Ac Choke's present situation.

But spiritual value and market value are different things.

The blessing history of an amulet does not suddenly disappear because of a later scandal, but its collector value certainly can.

For the 2547, 2549, 2550 and 2552 batches, if prices fall heavily and you can obtain genuine pieces cheaply, I still consider them worthwhile amulets to wear — just not pieces I would buy for investment.