Lersi Thom

One of Lersi Thom’s notable works is the Lersi 7 Si—the seven-coloured hermit—crafted from a rare form of lek lai known as lek lai kee. This particular lek lai was harvested from the cave located directly across from the temple, a place long associated by locals with prosperity. Over time, many in the area attributed their growing wealth to the power of this substance, and the reputation spread as far as Penang and Ipoh. Malaysians began making the journey to Nakhon Si Thammarat specifically to meet Lersi Thom and receive these pieces.

The batch was blessed more than ten years ago, and since then his sister, who manages the samnak’s logistics, has carefully raised the prices to prevent scalpers from acquiring the entire collection. This measured approach ensured that the amulets reached sincere seekers rather than opportunistic resellers. On my own trip, I would usually acquire a larger quantity given the long distance, but the higher pricing left margins too narrow. I chose instead to take only a few, enough to cover transport costs, accepting that the rarity and spiritual value outweighed the opportunity for profit.

On my recent trip to Nakhon Si Thammarat, I passed by the samnak of an elder hermit, Lersi Thom. At his age, most would have returned to their hometowns to retire quietly, but his life reflects a different path. Once a wandering hermit, he had spent his younger years traveling on foot across forests and caves, reaching even into neighboring Myanmar in pursuit of practice and solitude.

Now, in his later years, he has settled back in his birthplace, where his sister helps with the simple but essential duties of maintaining the samnak—feeding the animals, tending the grounds, and arranging the visits of disciples who come for blessings, holy water baths, and guidance in spiritual matters.

The setting of the samnak itself was striking. Just thirty meters in front stood a cave-mountain, a reminder of the caves where monks and ascetics seek silence and spiritual depth. Behind flowed a river, carrying the resonance of cleansing, transformation, and ritual renewal. Together, cave and river framed the samnak in an environment rich with natural power, an ideal landscape for spiritual work.

Lersi Thom has become known across Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, both for his presence and for his rare creations. His amulets, crafted from lek lai and complex mixtures of parad (solidified mercury), are sought after not only for their potency but for the authenticity of their preparation.

The process is demanding, the costs high, and the materials all personally sourced by him. I saw herbs drying in the sun and raw minerals arranged carefully, evidence of the care and effort invested. Even my driver took some herbs home for his family, a small reflection of how his work touched both locals and visitors.

The samnak itself was beautiful, much of it built from donations—the very land gifted by the surrounding community so that he could live close to them and continue his service. In this place, where mountain cave and river converge, Lersi Thom’s life of wandering and discipline now flows into one of teaching, blessing, and quiet service, sustained by the devotion of those who continue to seek him out.