King Rama IX Birthday Medal – 4th Cycle (48 Years), B.E. 2518

King Rama IX Birthday Medal – 4th Cycle (48 Years), B.E. 2518

King Rama IX Birthday Medal – 4th Cycle (48 Years), B.E. 2518

This medal was struck in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) on the occasion of his 4th Cycle Birthday, marking 48 years of age. Compact in size yet distinguished in design, it stands as one of the most important royal commemorative issues of the modern era.

Background and Purpose

The creation was authorized by His Majesty himself, with the Sangha taking responsibility for its production. It was intended to be distributed to soldiers, police, volunteers, and the public, carrying both protective and commemorative value. Because of the large quantity made, multiple dies were used, resulting in several block varieties.

The Grand Consecration

The consecration ceremony was held at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew) on April 1, 2520 (1977). The Supreme Patriarch presided over the lighting of the auspicious flame.

  • Nine senior monks from the royal temples of the Nine Reigns led the chanting of sacred Pali sutras.

  • 49 of the most famous guru monks and meditation masters of the age sat in ritual formation and empowered the piece.

  • Many of these monks were not only spiritual giants but also personal advisors and confidants to the King, whose counsel shaped national decisions throughout his reign.

Baramee of King Rama IX and His Monastic Advisors

King Rama IX reigned for more than 70 years, and under his leadership, Thailand underwent enormous transformation. The wisdom of these consecrating monks was deeply connected to his success as monarch:

  • Over 4,000 Royal Projects: irrigation, agriculture, conservation, health, and education reaching millions.

  • Royal Rainmaking Technology: his invention ended droughts and secured food stability.

  • Sufficiency Economy Philosophy: a model of self-reliance and sustainable growth, now embedded in Thai national policy.

  • Infrastructure: dams, bridges, and roads that modernized the nation.

  • Soil and Environment: innovations honored by the UN, including the designation of his birthday as World Soil Day.

  • National Unity: his tireless travels and compassion created stability through turbulent decades.

The monks who consecrated this medal were the spiritual foundation behind this monumental reign. To wear this piece is to carry not only protective and meritorious blessings (boon) but also the baramee that guided a King to modernize and safeguard his nation.

Principal Deity Connection

The consecration took place under the gaze of the Emerald Buddha (Phra Keow Morakot), the supreme palladium of Thailand, the foremost Buddha image of the Thai royal house. This means the blessing cannot be surpassed—rooted in the most sacred Buddha of the kingdom, consecrated by the most respected Sangha, and tied to the baramee of a King who shaped modern Thai history.

Significance for Collectors and Devotees

This medal embodies:

  • Wealth and respect

  • Protection and authority

  • Metta (loving-kindness) on the scale of a King

It is a piece with both spiritual and historical weight. Many later remakes exist, and only experienced hands can discern the original issue from 2518–2520. For those seeking a truly efficacious royal piece backed by both the Sangha’s blessings and the King’s baramee, this medal stands unrivaled.

Below are the Monks who consecrated this powerful rian

  1. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara – Wat Bowonniwet

  2. Somdet Phra Thirayanmuni – Wat Chakkrawat Ratchawat

  3. Phra Wisutthiwongsachan (Sngiam) – Wat Suthat

  4. Phra Thammasirichai – Wat Phra Pathom Chedi

  5. Phra Thepsakhonmuni (Luang Phor Kaew) – Wat Chong Lom

  6. Phra Thep Khunathorn (Chiam) – Wat Sothon

  7. Phra Thep Waralangkaan (Luang Pu Sri Chan) – Wat Loei Long

  8. Phra Thepwutthachan (Luang Phor Plueang) – Wat Suwannaphum

  9. Phra Ratcha Uthai Kawi

  10. Phra Ratcha Yanadilok (Luang Phor Chit) – Wat Khao Tao, Hua Hin

  11. Phra Ratchaphattharacharn – Wat Ratchabophit

  12. Phra Yan Siddhachan

  13. Phra Chinawongsachan (Luang Phor Phut) – Wat Pa Salawan

  14. Phra Wimonkitjarak – Wat Chana Songkhram

  15. Luang Pu Toh – Wat Pradoochimplee

  16. Luang Phor Chah – Wat Nong Pah Pong

  17. Luang Pu Phromma – Wat Phra Bat Tak Pha

  18. Luang Phor Sanit – Wat Silakhan

  19. Luang Pu Dune – Wat Burapharam

  20. Luang Phor Yai – Wat Sakae, Ayutthaya

  21. Luang Phor Bang – Wat Nong Phlap, Saraburi

  22. Luang Phor Chueam – Wat Kaes Chaiyo, Ang Thong

  23. Luang Phor Seng – Wat Noi Nang Hong

  24. Luang Phor Thieng – Wat Muang Chum

  25. Luang Phor Phiw – Wat Sang Nga Ngam

  26. Kruba Inthachak – Wat Bo Luang, Chiang Mai

  27. Luang Pu Bun – Wat Wang Manow

  28. Luang Phor Chuea – Wat Mai Bamphenboon

  29. Luang Phor Pae – Wat Pikulthong

  30. Luang Phor Roem – Wat Juk Krachet, Chonburi

  31. Luang Phor Thong – Wat Bon Nok, Prachuap Khiri Khan

  32. Luang Phor On – Wat Phiamat, Sisaket

  33. Luang Phor Chuan – Wat Phra Bat Khao Luk Chang

  34. Luang Phor Uttama – Wat Wang Wiwekaram

  35. Luang Phor Nueng – Wat Chulamani

  36. Luang Phor Choi – Wat Khao Suwan Pradit

  37. Luang Phor Kee – Wat Hu Chang

  38. Luang Phor Sin – Wat King Kaew

  39. Luang Phor Thon – Wat Sri Aphaiwan, Loei

  40. Luang Phor Fueang – Wat Thammasathit, Rayong

  41. Phra Ajarn Bunma – Wat Sirisawan, Nong Bua Lamphu

  42. Luang Pu Sam – Wat Pa Triwiwek

  43. Phra Ajarn Waen Thanapalo – Wat Suddhavasa

  44. Phra Ajarn Bun – Wat Sri Sawang Daendin

  45. Ajarn Phan – Wat Tham Erawan, Loei

  46. Phra Ajarn Wan Uttamo – Wat Tham Apai Damrongtham

  47. Phra Ajarn Nu – Wat Doi Mae Pang

  48. Phra Ajarn Sri Mahaviro – Roi Et

  49. Phra Ajarn Somchai – Wat Khao Sukim

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