Like people believing in other religions using specific charms or accessories to bring forth fortune and blessings of the almighty, the Buddhists in Thailand wear amulets. The Thai amulets, also called Talismans are extremely popular in the country and these sell in huge numbers yearlong. The skepticism of outsiders notwithstanding, Thai people make a beeline for buying diverse types of amulets. They want to satisfy their inner craving for these charms. They believe firmly that wearing these amulets will fetch them good luck, prosperity, and positive energy etc.
A huge market thriving on intense religious faith
It may be hard for others to believe, but the Thai amulet market is a huge one and nearly 7 out of 10 persons in Thailand wear some type of amulet. Approximately Buddhist charms worth US$1.25 billion sell out in Thailand every year. A huge part of it comprises of various amulets. However, the price can vary based on origin and type.
Not like a typical fashion accessory
It would be wrong to underestimate the Thai Buddhist amulets as mere fashion accessories! The Thais deem these amulets as important accessories. That explains why you can see amulets almost everywhere in the country. Not only millions wear amulets, the drivers also hang the charms in front of car dashboards, and they are seen in temples too. The purpose of using such amulets is not only bringing good luck to the wearer. The Thais believe wearing these charms will also safeguard them from accidents and untimely death. People from all age groups in Thailand believe in these amulets firmly.
A wide range
The Thai amulets are available in wide range and their sizes can vary. The shape can be triangular, oval, or rectangular. The variety is applicable in materials too. You can locate amulets made of ceramic, plastic, gold, silver and metals, for example. There are limited edition amulets and they will cost you a whopping amount. However, the affordable ones are mass produced and they cost a small amount. Most of these amulets either feature Lord Buddha or venerable monks. They may also feature animals deemed holy in Buddhism.
The origin and age matters
Nowadays, it is quite common to see Thai entrepreneurs getting into production and mass selling of amulets. However, amulets dating back to 19th century or earlier are costlier and they are deemed more auspicious. For example, the amulets made by revered Buddhist monk Phra Somdej to are much in demand. The Somdej 5 Trimas is a notable example. It has the image of Budhha meditating under a tree. About 33000 units of this amulet were made. The Amulet LP ruay wat tako is also great in demand, Rian Ruay Mahasetthi Batch only made 199 pieces of Real Gold material for this series. LP Ruay Gold items have the highest trading value in the amulet market. This gold amulet weights about 29.25grams. It has all the 3 codes 福禄寿 on the back of the amulet, only gold material have all the 3 codes.
Its all about faith
There are people who are skeptical about usefulness of these Buddhist charms and they usually think overspending after such accessorizes is not prudent. However, for the Thais with deep faith in Buddhism, these are more than just accessories. There are instances of Thai people owning and using several hundred amulets! They believe hoarding on plenty of amulets will bolster their fortune.