Prah Grut Wat Tham Suer

Naken piece of Wat Tham Suer (For collectors)

Suits those who want to buy a piece to learn how to identify ancient amulets

1300 years old

Smakom Cert Incl

Phra Tham Suea – Wat Tham Suea, Suphanburi

Historical Context
Phra Tham Suea is one of the most recognised phra kru (ancient buried amulets) of Suphanburi province, closely associated with the U-Thong area — a region rich in archaeological and Buddhist heritage. Local tradition and historical study suggest these amulets were created by hermit ascetics (Ruesi) or early forest-dwelling monks (aranyavasi) who practised deep meditation in remote caves and hills. The amulets were likely intended as both spiritual objects of protection and merit dedication, stored in sacred caves along the western side of the Chorakhe Sam Phan River.

First Discovery (BE 2470 / 1927)
The first known discovery occurred around BE 2470, when a farmer collecting bat guano in the Tham Suea (“Tiger Cave”) stumbled upon a large quantity of unusual clay amulets. These were unlike the common temple issues of the time, with distinctive imagery and forms. The find was dispersed widely through sale and gifting.

Material and Forms

• Composition: Fine clay mixed with sacred herbal powders (wan).

• Colours: Three primary tones — yellow, red, and green.

• Sizes: Large, medium, small, and miniature.
  The surfaces often retain a smooth yet dense texture, indicative of careful clay preparation and long-term burial.

Iconography
While specific details vary by mould, the amulets generally reflect early-period Buddhist artistic styles, sometimes interpreted as localised adaptations of Sukhothai or U-Thong art.

Further Finds and Distribution
After the initial 1927 find, similar amulets were unearthed in other caves, hilltop chedis, and temples across Suphanburi, including:

• Tham Khao Nok Chot

• Khao Wong Phat

• Chedi Khao Phra

• Wat Luang Khao Dee Salak

• Various smaller caves in the region

Later Major Finds
Two more large-scale recoveries occurred in BE 2535 (1992) and BE 2542 (1999). These led to the well-known dispute over the so-called Phra Tham Suea Kru Wat Khao Dee Salak — with some collectors accepting them as authentic and others dismissing them, creating a split opinion in the market that continues today.

Reputation and Spiritual Beliefs
Among Suphanburi’s kru amulets, Phra Tham Suea is considered dependable for:

• Klaew Klad — protection from harm and danger.

• Kongkraphan Chatri — invulnerability and physical resilience.

Collectors value early-period examples from the 1927 discovery for their age, material, and well-documented provenance. These remain significant both as archaeological artefacts and as part of Suphanburi’s amulet heritage.