MS7

Luang Phor Derm — Plew Thian Coin (Candle Flame Coin)

Summary

The Plew Thian Coin (Candle Flame Coin) of Luang Phor Derm Phuttasaro of Wat Nong Pho stands among the respected sacred amulets associated with one of Nakhon Sawan’s most revered masters.

The name “Plew Thian”, meaning Candle Flame, refers to the distinctive radiating lines or flame-like aura rising from the top of Luang Phor Derm’s head. Traditionally, this imagery represents spiritual radiance, wisdom, baramee and the power of a highly accomplished master.

What makes this piece particularly attractive for daily wear is its balance. It retains the strong three-dimensional portrait effect associated with Luang Phor Derm’s Roop Lor, but in a considerably lighter and more practical form.

Historical Background

Luang Phor Derm Phuttasaro, also known by his ecclesiastical title Phra Kru Niwas Thammakhun, was one of the most respected monks of Nakhon Sawan. His reputation for immense baramee and mastery of traditional protective practices earned him the affectionate title “Deity of Nakhon Sawan.”

His sacred objects became particularly well known for protection, Metta, Klaew Klaad and Kongkrapan, while generations of devotees have also worn his pieces in connection with livelihood, business and general progress in life.

Among the various forms associated with Luang Phor Derm, the Plew Thian design became distinctive because of the flame-like radiance surrounding his portrait. Early examples are associated with the wartime period around B.E. 2485 (1942), an era when protective sacred objects were especially valued.

Blessings and Effects

The Plew Thian Coin follows the broad traditional blessings associated with Luang Phor Derm’s lineage:

• Metta Maha Niyom — goodwill, attraction, respect and smoother relationships with others.

• Kongkrapan Chatri — traditional protection and resilience against physical harm.

• Klaew Klaad — avoidance of accidents, danger and unexpected misfortune.

• Chok Larp — opportunities, prosperity and support in matters of livelihood and business.

• Spiritual Protection — traditionally worn as protection against negative spiritual influences and harmful occult forces.

For me, one of the strengths of Luang Phor Derm’s pieces has always been their completeness. Rather than being worn for only one specific purpose, they are traditionally regarded as covering many of the practical concerns encountered throughout life.

Modern Application

The Plew Thian Coin is particularly suitable for those who appreciate the lineage and blessings of Luang Phor Derm but prefer something practical enough to wear every day.

Compared with a substantial Roop Lor, the Plew Thian is much lighter and easier to carry while still retaining a strong three-dimensional portrait effect. This makes it especially appealing to older collectors or experienced practitioners who have gradually moved away from large and heavy amulets.

It is a piece that reflects a change many long-time collectors eventually experience: less emphasis on displaying prestige and more emphasis on simply wearing something they trust.

Physical Details

The Plew Thian is a relatively compact piece, particularly when compared with Luang Phor Derm’s larger Roop Lor.

Despite its smaller size, the portrait retains noticeable depth and dimension. This was personally important to me because I have always enjoyed the sculptural, three-dimensional presence of a Roop Lor.

The major difference is weight. My Roop Lor is approximately four to five times heavier, making the Plew Thian considerably more comfortable for prolonged daily wear.

Recommended Pairing

Because the traditional blessings attributed to Luang Phor Derm are already broad, the Plew Thian can comfortably be worn as a primary daily piece.

For collectors who prefer combinations, it can also be paired with amulets emphasizing specific areas such as Metta, wealth, business or spiritual practice. However, I personally regard Luang Phor Derm as a sufficiently complete lineage that there is no necessity to complicate the combination.

Brett’s Update on Personal Experiences

I wore my Luang Phor Derm Roop Lor for many years, and that period coincided with some of the most important progress in my life.

Financially, I enjoyed considerable success. My businesses developed, I accumulated assets for retirement, and over the years I managed to tick off many things that had once existed only on my bucket list. At the same time, life progressed well in other areas — relationships, family and the general stability that becomes increasingly important as we grow older.

The Roop Lor therefore became much more than a collectible to me. It was a piece that accompanied me through a very significant stage of my life.

Eventually, however, there was one very practical problem: it was getting too heavy.

As I grew older, wearing such a substantial piece every day became less comfortable. This was what eventually led me to switch to the Plew Thian Coin.

What immediately appealed to me was that it still gave me the three-dimensional effect I liked about my Roop Lor. It has depth and presence rather than feeling like a completely flat coin, yet it is considerably lighter. My Roop Lor is roughly four to five times its weight, so for daily wear the difference is substantial.

Most importantly, from my personal experience, the blessings of Luang Phor Derm never stopped.

The form of the amulet changed, but my confidence in the lineage did not.

After wearing and experiencing the Plew Thian myself, I began offering this piece to my own customers. I have now been selling it for approximately two years, with around five pieces going to local customers, friends and family.

So far, the feedback and personal experiences shared with me have been very positive. This has been particularly meaningful because these were not simply stories heard from collectors overseas; they came from people around me whose circumstances I could follow personally.

For me, this reinforced the reason I changed from the Roop Lor in the first place. I was never looking for a replacement for Luang Phor Derm. I simply wanted a lighter and more practical way to continue wearing the same master and lineage that had accompanied me for so many years.

At this stage of life, I no longer feel the need to wear the largest or most prestigious piece available.

I simply want something I trust, something comfortable enough to wear every day, and something that allows me to continue carrying Luang Phor Derm with me.

The Plew Thian has fulfilled that role extremely well.