Info: Phra Somdej Bangkhunprom 2509

Info: Phra Somdej Bangkhunprom 2509

The Phra Somdej Bangkhunprom 2509 batch was created to commemorate the completion of the new ubosot (ordination hall) at Wat Mai Amataros, following the temple’s renovation and consecration ceremonies which began in 1958. The official consecration ceremony took place between January 4–10, 1966, with the support of General Praphas Charusathien (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior) and Khunying Sawai Charusathien as patrons. Lt. Gen. Kris Sivara presided over the boundary-marking ceremony.

The amulets were blessed and distributed during this grand celebration, which also included the casting of Buddha images and statues of Somdej Phra Phutthachan (Toh). A large portion of the amulets were also sealed within the temple’s main chedi (stupa).

Presiding and Participating Masters

The consecration was conducted by many of the most respected masters of the era, including:

  1. Somdej Phra Thepsiddhinayok (LP Nak) – Wat Rakhang, Bangkok

  2. LP Ngern – Wat Don Yai Hom, Nakhon Pathom

  3. LP Tae Kongthong – Wat Sam Ngam, Nakhon Pathom

  4. LP Klai – Wat Klang Tha Ruea, Ayutthaya

  5. Somdej Phra Wimonkitjarak – Wat Chanasongkhram, Bangkok

  6. Ajarn Tim – Wat Chang Hai, Pattani

  7. Ajarn Amphol – Wat Prasat Boonyawat, Bangkok

  8. Ajarn Satit – Wat Wachirathammasatit, Bangkok

  9. Ajarn Taem – Wat Phra Loi, Suphanburi

Additionally, chanting and blessing rituals were performed by monks from Wat Suthat, led by Phra Kru Palad Wisutthiwat.

Craftsmanship

The molds were carved by four groups of craftsmen:

  1. Uncle Chalerm Buapliansi – created many forms similar to the original Wat Rakhang/Bangkhunprom styles but with distinct features.

  2. Manit Patapee (then a naval officer) – reproduced standard patterns and also crafted some special designs.

  3. Kasem Mongkolcharoen – joined in the later stages, producing molds of sharpness and deep clarity.

  4. Committee Blocks – molds copied from original ancient Bangkhunprom amulets, but smaller and shallower due to reproduction technique.

Because the plaster molds were fragile, many had to be recast repeatedly. For example, the Phim Yai (large standard mold) alone had up to 27 different master molds. Some variants, like the Phim Gaes Thalu Soom (head piercing the arch), developed naturally when damage to a mold was re-carved into a new design.

Timeline of Events

  • July 18, 1958 – Foundation stone laid.

  • Aug 10, 1959 – Raising of the temple roof.

  • Dec 24, 1965 – His Majesty King Rama IX consecrated the inscribed foundation stone at Chitralada Palace.

  • Jan 4, 1966 – Official opening ritual, chanting and blessing began.

  • Jan 5, 1966 – Amulets distributed to devotees.

  • Jan 6–8, 1966 – Fundraising, merit-making, and distribution continued.

  • Jan 9, 1966 – Consecration of Buddha images and statues.

  • Jan 10, 1966 – Closing ceremony with 84 monks chanting inside the ubosot, boundary ceremony by Somdej Phra Wanarat.

Materials

The sacred powder mixture included:

  • Fragments of broken Somdej Bangkhunprom amulets retrieved from the 1950 opening of the chedi.

  • Powders donated by various senior monks across Thailand.

  • Lime, seashell powder, natural binders, incense ash, lotus pollen, and other sacred herbal materials.

Types & Distribution

Two categories of amulets were made:

  1. Chedi-burial type – Back stamped with the word “บรรจุ” (buried), total 84,000 pieces placed inside the stupa.

  2. Devotee-distribution type – Back stamped with the chedi symbol, also planned at 84,000 pieces, but after discarding damaged pieces only 72,518 usable pieces remained.

Devotees could contribute 1 baht to receive a burial-type amulet for merit-making, or 10 baht per piece (25 baht for reclining Buddha form) to keep. Boxed sets of 11 types were offered for 100 baht.

Varieties (12 Main Types)

  1. Phim Yai (Large Standard Buddha)

  2. Phim Sen Daai (Line-Robe Buddha)

  3. Phim Chedi (Stupa-Form Buddha)

  4. Phim Gaes Bua Toom (Lotus Bud Head Buddha)

  5. Phim Sangkhati (Robe Buddha)

  6. Phim Prok Pho (Bodhi-Leaf Backdrop Buddha)

  7. Phim Than Koo (Double Base Buddha)

  8. Phim Than Saem (Trimmed Base Buddha)

  9. Phim Ok Krut (Garuda-Chest Buddha)

  10. Phim Saiyas (Reclining Buddha)

  11. Phim Khanan (Small “Point Score” Buddha)

  12. Phim Chan Loin (Moon-Disc Buddha)

Sealing into the Chedi

The amulets were carefully layered inside the large stupa at Wat Mai Amataros. The inner structure was built like a sealed tank with ten ventilation holes. Sand was laid on the base, amulets placed in layers, and six silver plates engraved with the year “2509” were interred as confirmation. This ensured the preservation of the batch, expected to remain in superior condition compared to earlier generations.

Back to blog