By Noppawan Bunluesilp
BANGKOK (Reuters) - A craze for plasticine amulets that promise to make their owners "Super Rich" or "Rich without Reason" is sweeping across Thailand to the dismay of traditionalists in the predominantly Buddhist nation.
Some monks have come out swinging against the so-called Jatukam Ramathep frenzy, saying it has turned the Buddhist priesthood into an "amulet-blessing industry" despite the religion's shunning of earthly possessions and materialism.
Temples across the country are churning out thousands of the disc-shaped amulets, which are about the size of a coffee-cup lid and stamped with anything from images of Hindu deities to former Thai kings to Buddha.
To gain maximum "power", the amulet and its ingredients have to be prayed over by monks for days. A top-of-the-range gold-leaf edition from a well-respected temple costs 10,000 baht (148 pounds) or more -- more than a month's wages for many Thais.
The nation of 65 million people, most of whom remain deeply superstitious despite the rapid modernisation of places such as Bangkok, has spent more than 20 billion baht on the amulets this year, newspapers say.
The scale of the phenomenon is now so large the Revenue Department is looking into ways of taxing amulet sales despite a convention that donations or money going to Buddhist temples are exempt from tax.
EMOTIONAL PROP OR SIMPLE SCAM?
The craze stems from a highly respected policeman called Phantarak Rajadej, who died aged 103 last year in the southern seaside town of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Phantarak, who many Thais believe had magic powers, was said to have made the first amulet.
After his death, the number of amulets exploded, with hundreds of different "product lines" emerging with names such as "Super Rich", "Super Millionaire" and "Rich without Reason".
In the early stages of the craze, a woman was crushed to death in a crowd trying to place amulet orders at a Nakhon Si Thammarat temple.
Rather than wearing their talisman discreetly under their shirts, as Thais have done since time immemorial, Jatukam owners display it proudly on the outside, suspended on a thick gold chain that would be more at home on the neck of a U.S. rap star.
"My life has got better since I bought my first Jatukam," said 45-year-old Somchai Vichitbanjong, who now owns nearly 500 different varieties.
"I usually have a Jatukam with me all the time. Whenever I go out, if I'm not wearing one I have to go back home and get it."
Besides Thais' long-standing belief in luck, some believe the craze is a reflection of the political uncertainty that has gripped the country since last year's military coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
"Jatukam supports people and makes them feel strong, as well as giving them clarity of thought," Phra Taweesak, abbot of Bangkok's Wat Srinuan, said after a blessing ceremony for a consignment of several thousand amulets.
Others disagree, saying it is a blatant scam by unscrupulous monks playing upon the superstitions of ordinary people to raise money.
"When some temples want a new building, they just use Jatukam to raise funds," said Phra Payom Kalayano, a high-profile abbot who has launched a range of edible, chocolate-flavoured "Jatukam cookies" to encourage Thais to spend money on essentials such as food rather than trinkets.
The craze is also undermining a religion already under threat from Bangkok's transition into a throbbing international metropolis over the last few decades, he says.
"Recently, materialism and the amulets have diverted people from the core of Buddha's teaching," he told Reuters at his leafy monastic compound on the outskirts of the teeming capital.
"This makes Buddha's teaching fade away."
bswa.org
28 July 2007
SALES OF AMULETS ARE THRIVING LIKE CRAZY
Vendors earn more than they dreamed of in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Sales of Jatukarm Ramathep amulets are thriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district, with many sellers earning more money than they ever dreamed of.
Duangchanok Amornsak closed down her traditional dance school in August last year and began trading Jatukarm Ramathep talismans.
She admits to making a good profit as demand for the amulets which are priced from 199 to 150,000 baht has surged. She also sells T-shirts bearing the image of the talisman, and books and pictures.
"I used to get about 10,000 baht a month as a dance teacher. Now I earn from 100,000 to 200,000 baht a month from selling the amulets," she said.
Stalls selling the amulets are on almost every road in downtown Muang district. Although the amulets were introduced in the province 20 years ago, Ms Duangchanok believes their popularity jumped only recently, with the funeral of Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej, a well-respected local aristocrat.
Thousands of people flocked to the cremation of Khun Phantharak to obtain the amulets, which were distributed by his children as keepsakes.
Sales of the amulets have stimulated the local economy, putting an estimated 100 million baht into circulation.
Pailin Arunjit also quit her job to become a talisman vendor.
Ms Pailin said she invested 30,000 baht to open her business three months ago. Now she earns about 100,000 baht a month.
"I had never thought that I would have what I have today. My monthly salary as a department store worker was a few thousand baht," she said, adding that she is now able to pay off her debts.
Ms Duangchanok said she believed the talisman would sell well for the next two to three years before dying down, as was "the law of nature".
She personally believed in the magical powers of Jatukarm Ramathep and had various versions of the amulets in stock.
"I don't try to persuade anyone to believe me or to buy the talismans from me. There is no point in owning the amulet but not behaving well. Jatukarm Ramathep will only protect decent people, bringing them good luck," she said.
The amulets comprise a group of talismans with images of a deity and symbols dating back to the ancient Malay kingdom of Srivijaya, of which Nakhon Si Thammarat was a part.
from Bangkok Post
Story by Anucha Charoenpo
Sales of Jatukarm Ramathep amulets are thriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district, with many sellers earning more money than they ever dreamed of.
Duangchanok Amornsak closed down her traditional dance school in August last year and began trading Jatukarm Ramathep talismans.
She admits to making a good profit as demand for the amulets which are priced from 199 to 150,000 baht has surged. She also sells T-shirts bearing the image of the talisman, and books and pictures.
"I used to get about 10,000 baht a month as a dance teacher. Now I earn from 100,000 to 200,000 baht a month from selling the amulets," she said.
Stalls selling the amulets are on almost every road in downtown Muang district. Although the amulets were introduced in the province 20 years ago, Ms Duangchanok believes their popularity jumped only recently, with the funeral of Pol Maj-Gen Khun Phantharak Rajadej, a well-respected local aristocrat.
Thousands of people flocked to the cremation of Khun Phantharak to obtain the amulets, which were distributed by his children as keepsakes.
Sales of the amulets have stimulated the local economy, putting an estimated 100 million baht into circulation.
Pailin Arunjit also quit her job to become a talisman vendor.
Ms Pailin said she invested 30,000 baht to open her business three months ago. Now she earns about 100,000 baht a month.
"I had never thought that I would have what I have today. My monthly salary as a department store worker was a few thousand baht," she said, adding that she is now able to pay off her debts.
Ms Duangchanok said she believed the talisman would sell well for the next two to three years before dying down, as was "the law of nature".
She personally believed in the magical powers of Jatukarm Ramathep and had various versions of the amulets in stock.
"I don't try to persuade anyone to believe me or to buy the talismans from me. There is no point in owning the amulet but not behaving well. Jatukarm Ramathep will only protect decent people, bringing them good luck," she said.
The amulets comprise a group of talismans with images of a deity and symbols dating back to the ancient Malay kingdom of Srivijaya, of which Nakhon Si Thammarat was a part.
from Bangkok Post
Story by Anucha Charoenpo
26 July 2007
Jatukham Rammathep Amulets
Woman dies in amulet crush
51-year-old trampled, many injured as thousands jostle for Chatukam charms
A 51-year-old woman was crushed to death and dozens injured yesterday when thousands of people forced their way into a technical school here to buy coupons for the sought-after Chatukam Ramthep amulets.
This prompted the Religious Affairs Department to call for safer public distribution of the famous amulets and ask the private sector to postpone distribution to prevent such tragedies re-occurring.
Thousands of people had been waiting since midnight on Sunday at three coupon-selling spots at Nakhon Si Thammarat Technical College, Rama XI Park, and Thanakhonyanwaropasuthit School to get the amulets' special edition produced by Wat Phra Nakhon.
The crowd caused a five-kilometre traffic jam in the city.
Nearly 10,000 forced their way to the coupon desk on the second floor of the technical school at about 8am. Many women and elderly people fainted and were trampled by the crowd.
Officials had to pull out the injured and found that Phuen Khongpetch, 51, had been trampled to death. She had footprints all over her body. Dozens were injured and the college gate and fence were destroyed.
At Rama XI Park, people also broke through the gate to get the coupons.
The chaos overwhelmed the 100 policemen present and caused the coupon selling to be stopped.
Many people were upset and remained at the premises in the hope the selling would resume, while some cried because they could not get coupons.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Commander Pol Maj Gen Sudjai Yanarat, who later visited the injured, said police would look into the death to find out whether Phuen had passed out or was simply knocked down in the stampede.
If it was the latter, the event organiser would be charged with recklessness causing another's death. Sudjai said the authorities would prevent such a tragedy recurring so this death would be "last of its kind".
Wat Phra Nakhon had held a similar coupon-selling event on March 16, but the chaos from people fighting over the coupons forced the temple to suspend the activity. It started selling again yesterday.
Phra Maha Maitri, abbot of Wat Phra Nakhon, said people wanting reservation coupons for the amulets consisted of three groups: those who really worshipped the talisman, those who aimed to re-sell the amulets for profit, and teenagers hired by amulet-selling businessmen at Bt500 to Bt1,000 to get the talismans so they could later boost the price and make a profit.
"The chaos resulted from the third group who were hot-headed and disrespected the rules and pushed their way in," said the monk. He said the temple was now tightly guarded by police for fear of the talismans being stolen.
Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Department director-general Preecha Kantiya, said that following the recent death and injuries, he had contacted the provincial Buddhist authorities in Nakhon Si Thammarat - which made the original Chatukam Ramthep amulets - to seek safer ways to publicly distribute them, and a proper way of making the amulets.
"The department can't stop temples from producing or giving Chatukam Ramthep amulets to the public, but we'll try to find ways of distribution because of concerns for public safety," Preecha said. He urged the private sector and organisations that produce the charms to stop distributing them until it could be done safely.
Kanok Saenprasert, a senior official at the Office of National Buddhism, said officials would oversee that temples and abbots act according to Buddhist monastic disciplines.
He said the Thai Sangha clearly stated that Buddha amulets and talismans could be made and distributed as memorial items to the public. But they should not be involved in commerce or boast about supernatural powers as a selling point.
The famous amulet is believed to have magical power that protects its holder from harm and brings good luck.
Although it has no relation to Buddhism, many Thai Buddhists believe in the amulet's power and are prepared to pay large sums for it.
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
51-year-old trampled, many injured as thousands jostle for Chatukam charms
A 51-year-old woman was crushed to death and dozens injured yesterday when thousands of people forced their way into a technical school here to buy coupons for the sought-after Chatukam Ramthep amulets.
This prompted the Religious Affairs Department to call for safer public distribution of the famous amulets and ask the private sector to postpone distribution to prevent such tragedies re-occurring.
Thousands of people had been waiting since midnight on Sunday at three coupon-selling spots at Nakhon Si Thammarat Technical College, Rama XI Park, and Thanakhonyanwaropasuthit School to get the amulets' special edition produced by Wat Phra Nakhon.
The crowd caused a five-kilometre traffic jam in the city.
Nearly 10,000 forced their way to the coupon desk on the second floor of the technical school at about 8am. Many women and elderly people fainted and were trampled by the crowd.
Officials had to pull out the injured and found that Phuen Khongpetch, 51, had been trampled to death. She had footprints all over her body. Dozens were injured and the college gate and fence were destroyed.
At Rama XI Park, people also broke through the gate to get the coupons.
The chaos overwhelmed the 100 policemen present and caused the coupon selling to be stopped.
Many people were upset and remained at the premises in the hope the selling would resume, while some cried because they could not get coupons.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Commander Pol Maj Gen Sudjai Yanarat, who later visited the injured, said police would look into the death to find out whether Phuen had passed out or was simply knocked down in the stampede.
If it was the latter, the event organiser would be charged with recklessness causing another's death. Sudjai said the authorities would prevent such a tragedy recurring so this death would be "last of its kind".
Wat Phra Nakhon had held a similar coupon-selling event on March 16, but the chaos from people fighting over the coupons forced the temple to suspend the activity. It started selling again yesterday.
Phra Maha Maitri, abbot of Wat Phra Nakhon, said people wanting reservation coupons for the amulets consisted of three groups: those who really worshipped the talisman, those who aimed to re-sell the amulets for profit, and teenagers hired by amulet-selling businessmen at Bt500 to Bt1,000 to get the talismans so they could later boost the price and make a profit.
"The chaos resulted from the third group who were hot-headed and disrespected the rules and pushed their way in," said the monk. He said the temple was now tightly guarded by police for fear of the talismans being stolen.
Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Department director-general Preecha Kantiya, said that following the recent death and injuries, he had contacted the provincial Buddhist authorities in Nakhon Si Thammarat - which made the original Chatukam Ramthep amulets - to seek safer ways to publicly distribute them, and a proper way of making the amulets.
"The department can't stop temples from producing or giving Chatukam Ramthep amulets to the public, but we'll try to find ways of distribution because of concerns for public safety," Preecha said. He urged the private sector and organisations that produce the charms to stop distributing them until it could be done safely.
Kanok Saenprasert, a senior official at the Office of National Buddhism, said officials would oversee that temples and abbots act according to Buddhist monastic disciplines.
He said the Thai Sangha clearly stated that Buddha amulets and talismans could be made and distributed as memorial items to the public. But they should not be involved in commerce or boast about supernatural powers as a selling point.
The famous amulet is believed to have magical power that protects its holder from harm and brings good luck.
Although it has no relation to Buddhism, many Thai Buddhists believe in the amulet's power and are prepared to pay large sums for it.
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
25 July 2007
Jatukam Ramathep .... Lord of the Fortune...the Rama incarnation and the Great Stupa at Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
In the past month or so, several articles have appeared in the Thai and English media concerning the phenomenal popularity of a magical talisman, promising instant wealth to those who wear one. The talisman features a divine being called Jatukam Ramathep, unknown in Buddhist or Hindu sacred literature. In order to understand, we need to get the god's name right: Jatukam Ramathep is the Thai pronunciation of the Pali Catugamaramadeva, meaning God Rama of the Four Villages. This is near nonsense as no ancient literature, Buddhist or Hindu, connects Rama to "Four Villages".
Thus the name seems to have been created out of thin air. However, the talisman is connected in the popular imagination to the Great Stupa of Nakhon Si Thammarat. According to respectable tradition preserved in an ancient document (see Wyatt, DK, "The Crystal Sands: The Chronicles of Nagara Sri Dharmmaraja", Cornell) the relics enshrined in the Great Stupa there came from Sri Lanka and the stupa was established with the assistance of traders from Sri Lanka, where Buddhism has always been protected by Hindu gods. (The evidence is in the Mahavamsa and in folk religion to this day.)
At the Great Stupa at Nakhon Si Thammarat, the stairs leading up to the circumambulatory terminate in a narrow stage with four images of gods. To the extreme left and right are two gods in brick and plaster with no attributes. However inscribed stone plaques (in apparently old lettering) announce that they are Lord Khattugama and Lord Ramadeva.
Jatukham Rammathep is two people, not one. The names are the aliases of brother princes Inthara Sairen and Inthara Khao Kheo, sons of King Jantharaphanu, who ruled the Sri Thammasokerealm, the capital of the Krung Srivijaya Kingdom (757-1257) in southern Thailand, after his father who founded it. The Sri Thammasoke realm began to degenerate as a result of their father's absence of 20 years during which he expanded his dominion to as far as eastern India. The brothers founded a new capital at Chang Khom Sirithammarat (present day Nakhon Si Thammarat), and renamed the realm Srivijaya Suvarnabhumi. Some legends say Jatukham Rammathep was another royal person living in a different era altogether, while others suggest it was a name given to King Jantharaphanu himself. But all legends - under the influence of Mahayana Buddhism which was widely observed during the period - commonly believe that whatever king or royal person the name belongs to, the right holder of the name is an Avalokitesvara, a future Buddha after numerous rebirths committed to intense self-dedication and intense sacrifice.
Long after their deaths, the two princes continue to be idealised by succeeding generations of residents of Nakhon Si Thammarat and today are remembered by their preferred names of Jatukham and Rammathep as guardian angels. The Jatukham Rammathep amulets were first produced in 1987 as part of the establishment of the province's Holy Pillar Shrine. The circular amulet, with a 5cm diameter, was priced at Bt39. Today, the amulets sell for between Bt200 and Bt500 for the basic item, and as much as Bt1,000 for amulets produced in a limited edition. The prices can soar sharply by up to 10 times when their popularity peaks after just a few months.
For example, the "Arch-Millionaire" series now trades at around Bt10,000 compared to about Bt150 when it was released in May last year. The reported highest price ever paid for a single amulet is Bt1.2 million - by a mine owner to the original owner of a 1987 charm. An unconfirmed report earlier this year said the owner of a local lingerie store in the province sold a number of the amulets for Bt3.2 million to a buyer based in the United States
Jatukham Ramathep is a guardian god of holy relics of Lord Buddha, and was engraved on the doorway at the entrance of Wat Phra Mahathat Temple in 1987 during the celebration of the City Pillar in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The legend of this deity states that he was formerly King Janthara Bhanu, the founder of Si Vijaya Kingdom and the first king of the Si Thamma SokkaratDynasty. After establishing a wealthy and strong city, he was later known as the “Black King of the Southern Sea” or “Phaya Phang Pakan”. Due to his good deeds, he became Bodhisattva, who helped relieve the hardship of mankind. The popularity of collecting Buddhist amulets is set to continue to rise as was seen last year. It is of note that antique amulets have become rarer in the market since the previous year. Among the newly-cast Phra Kruang that has been most sought-after in the market is “Jatukam Ramathep”. It could be said that this amulet series has gained greater popularity - as it is commonly seen on show at amulet trading shops - at the expense of other newly-cast Buddhist amulets. Jatukam Ramathep has been in high demand among amulet aficionados both at home and abroad, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore.
luckyplanner.com
24 July 2007
Amulets 'damage pagoda'
The overwhelming popularity of Jatukam Ramathep amulets may be damaging the Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple's sacred pagoda.
Locals yesterday complained the pagoda had developed a lean as a result of vehicles arriving at the temple each day with the amulets.
Lorries and pickup vehicles deliver the amulets to the monastery's compound, where they are blessed in consecration rituals. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a Nakhon Si Thammarat resident, said yesterday.
Residents will ask provincial governor Wichom Thongsong to take action to halt damage to the pagoda.
Local Fine Arts Department director Banjong Wongwichien said experts were on the way to examine the pagoda. "But, for the time being, everything depends on the temple abbot," he said.
Nakhon Si Thammarat deputy governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom will have talks with abbot Phra Ratchathamsuthee ahead of any action at provincial level.
Revenue officials wanting to know how much the temple was making from the amulets yesterday visited the abbot.
Provincial police chief Maj-General Sudjai Yannarat praised residents' efforts to protect the pagoda. Officers have been sent to the temple for security.
Sudjai said many vehicles "sneak into the temple at around 3am and 4am before traffic officers are present".
Provincial public works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine if the pagoda was leaning but added his department was too busy to check and suggested an academic institute should help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT
Sky is the limit for talismans
The hype surrounding the Jatukam Ramathep talismans has, literally, gone sky-high.
On June 9, Orient Thai Airlines will conduct a ritual to anoint the popular talismans at altitude.
Airline chief Udom Tantiprasongchai said the ritual would be held in the cabin of Orient Thai's new MD-82 aircraft en route from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
According to popular belief, the higher the annointment ritual takes place, the more the Holy Spirit will be drawn to the talismans.
The expected one million baht from sales of the sky-high editions of the Jatukam amulets will go to charities repairing schools burned down by insurgents in the southern province of Pattani.
The catalogue magazine, Friday, produced by the same company that sells Mistine cosmetics, recently included a number of Jatukam amulets on its stocklist. Friday offers items ranging from household goods to toys, from supplementary foods to lingerie.
Friday also offers 10 Jatukam editions with prices ranging from Bt199 to Bt599 depending on the texture and the materials used in the casting.
So far the company has enjoyed brisk orders for the amulets. Of the Bt150 million in orders that the Friday catalogue receives each month, Jatukam amulets already account for 5 to 6 per cent of the total.
The catalogue would appear to be good news for Jatukam collectors who don't want to go through the stampede to get one of these tremendously popular talismans.
On June 9, Orient Thai Airlines will conduct a ritual to anoint the popular talismans at altitude.
Airline chief Udom Tantiprasongchai said the ritual would be held in the cabin of Orient Thai's new MD-82 aircraft en route from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
According to popular belief, the higher the annointment ritual takes place, the more the Holy Spirit will be drawn to the talismans.
The expected one million baht from sales of the sky-high editions of the Jatukam amulets will go to charities repairing schools burned down by insurgents in the southern province of Pattani.
The catalogue magazine, Friday, produced by the same company that sells Mistine cosmetics, recently included a number of Jatukam amulets on its stocklist. Friday offers items ranging from household goods to toys, from supplementary foods to lingerie.
Friday also offers 10 Jatukam editions with prices ranging from Bt199 to Bt599 depending on the texture and the materials used in the casting.
So far the company has enjoyed brisk orders for the amulets. Of the Bt150 million in orders that the Friday catalogue receives each month, Jatukam amulets already account for 5 to 6 per cent of the total.
The catalogue would appear to be good news for Jatukam collectors who don't want to go through the stampede to get one of these tremendously popular talismans.
22 July 2007
Just a thought: An irrational exuberance for Jatukam Ramathep?
by Veenarat Laohapakakul
Of course, it's a matter of personal belief if anyone wishes to put on one, two or more Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
In fact, the amulets have been a boon to the current sluggish economy, generating an estimated Bt20 billion, at least, since the craze started last year. But are some of us going way overboard with this?
All editions are believed to bring good luck and enhance wealth. One edition was named "Rich beyond reason", while another was given the name "Super affluent". Believing in supernatural powers has long been an integral part of Thai Buddhism, and amulets provide the faithful with emotional strength and support.
Many organisations have jumped on the bandwagon since it is one of the easiest and quickest ways to raise money at the moment. Even the Royal Thai Air Force joined in by having F-16 and F-5 pilots carry the materials used to make the amulets with them during routine flights, citing the belief that the powers of the material increase due to the height.
Now, we are also witnessing monks who dance and employ weapons as part of the Jatukam Ramathep inaugural ceremony. Despite criticisms, one has already declared that he would carry on as the master of such ceremonies, arguing that he has broken the monks' rules of conduct out of sheer goodwill and a pure heart.
Believe it or not, the endangered dugong might be threatened by this hullabaloo. Their tiny population off the western coast of Thailand is currently under close scrutiny. A baby dugong was recently found dead in Phang Nga province under suspicious circumstances. Its eyes were badly bruised and part of the skin around the eyes was sliced off.
The inclusion of substances believed to be sacred in the mixing of materials used to mould Jatukam amulets has become a new selling point and one advertisement boasted the use of whale fat and dugongs' "teardrops". Yes, teardrops. To squeeze the tiniest drop means torturing the animal to the utmost pain. What in the world have some people come to?
The Jatukam Ramathep amulets have had an effect never before seen and, to an extent, this has been devastating to basic Buddhist teachings. The religion itself is not to blame, but rather the people involved - both obsessive traders and consumers - who reflect excessive gluttony and to a certain point, as in the cases of the dugongs or having the materials flown through the air, complete absurdity.
The hype around the Jatukam amulets is a far cry from what is considered the "middle path", and the names of many editions, instead of stressing hard work and savings, give the false hope of getting rich at lightning speed. The amusing point, though, is that there are people who actually buy into it.
The wealthy are free to spend whatever they want, but as Phra Payom Kalayano, the revered abbot of Wat Suan Kaew, said, "The poor only get poorer, especially if they try to collect many editions".
Phra Payom was threatened when he launched Jatukam-like cookies, called "Rethink - Four words to getting rich". The four words, taken from a Buddhist teaching, translate as diligence, savings, choosing good company and leading a simple life, all of which are valuable principles to consider. Opponents argued he was making fun of the Jatukam Ramathep.
The Jatukam phenomenon reveals that many Thais still don't incorporate Buddhist teachings into their daily lives. Instead, many emphasise the ritual aspect of Buddhism, while others focus on the commercial side. This is true not only for Jatukam Ramathep, but for other amulets as well.
This is a pity given the fact that the Buddhist philosophy is very useful for anyone seeking inner peace. The disproportionate commercialisation of Jatukam Ramathep certainly belittles practical Buddhist teachings, particularly on the point of not being greedy.
Despite all that has been said, at the end of the day the decision of whether to worship Jatukam Ramathep or any other type of mystical power boils down to a personal choice. Just don't forget the saying that "Doing good deeds will bear good results and vice versa".
It all starts from within.
Of course, it's a matter of personal belief if anyone wishes to put on one, two or more Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
In fact, the amulets have been a boon to the current sluggish economy, generating an estimated Bt20 billion, at least, since the craze started last year. But are some of us going way overboard with this?
All editions are believed to bring good luck and enhance wealth. One edition was named "Rich beyond reason", while another was given the name "Super affluent". Believing in supernatural powers has long been an integral part of Thai Buddhism, and amulets provide the faithful with emotional strength and support.
Many organisations have jumped on the bandwagon since it is one of the easiest and quickest ways to raise money at the moment. Even the Royal Thai Air Force joined in by having F-16 and F-5 pilots carry the materials used to make the amulets with them during routine flights, citing the belief that the powers of the material increase due to the height.
Now, we are also witnessing monks who dance and employ weapons as part of the Jatukam Ramathep inaugural ceremony. Despite criticisms, one has already declared that he would carry on as the master of such ceremonies, arguing that he has broken the monks' rules of conduct out of sheer goodwill and a pure heart.
Believe it or not, the endangered dugong might be threatened by this hullabaloo. Their tiny population off the western coast of Thailand is currently under close scrutiny. A baby dugong was recently found dead in Phang Nga province under suspicious circumstances. Its eyes were badly bruised and part of the skin around the eyes was sliced off.
The inclusion of substances believed to be sacred in the mixing of materials used to mould Jatukam amulets has become a new selling point and one advertisement boasted the use of whale fat and dugongs' "teardrops". Yes, teardrops. To squeeze the tiniest drop means torturing the animal to the utmost pain. What in the world have some people come to?
The Jatukam Ramathep amulets have had an effect never before seen and, to an extent, this has been devastating to basic Buddhist teachings. The religion itself is not to blame, but rather the people involved - both obsessive traders and consumers - who reflect excessive gluttony and to a certain point, as in the cases of the dugongs or having the materials flown through the air, complete absurdity.
The hype around the Jatukam amulets is a far cry from what is considered the "middle path", and the names of many editions, instead of stressing hard work and savings, give the false hope of getting rich at lightning speed. The amusing point, though, is that there are people who actually buy into it.
The wealthy are free to spend whatever they want, but as Phra Payom Kalayano, the revered abbot of Wat Suan Kaew, said, "The poor only get poorer, especially if they try to collect many editions".
Phra Payom was threatened when he launched Jatukam-like cookies, called "Rethink - Four words to getting rich". The four words, taken from a Buddhist teaching, translate as diligence, savings, choosing good company and leading a simple life, all of which are valuable principles to consider. Opponents argued he was making fun of the Jatukam Ramathep.
The Jatukam phenomenon reveals that many Thais still don't incorporate Buddhist teachings into their daily lives. Instead, many emphasise the ritual aspect of Buddhism, while others focus on the commercial side. This is true not only for Jatukam Ramathep, but for other amulets as well.
This is a pity given the fact that the Buddhist philosophy is very useful for anyone seeking inner peace. The disproportionate commercialisation of Jatukam Ramathep certainly belittles practical Buddhist teachings, particularly on the point of not being greedy.
Despite all that has been said, at the end of the day the decision of whether to worship Jatukam Ramathep or any other type of mystical power boils down to a personal choice. Just don't forget the saying that "Doing good deeds will bear good results and vice versa".
It all starts from within.
20 July 2007
Jatukham Ramathep fever shaking the pagoda
The overwhelming popularity of Jatukam Ramathep amulets has literally shaken the Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple's sacred pagoda. Local people Tuesday complained that the pagoda was apparently leaning as a result of impacts from many trucks that headed to the temple each day.
These trucks carried Jatukham Ramathep amulets into the royal monastery's compound for a consecration ritual. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Tuesday.
A group of local people was now planning to petition to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wichom Thongsong for actions that could prevent the pagoda from leaning further.
Banjong Wongwichien, director of a local fine-arts office, said he was now preparing to urgently ask the Fine Arts Department to dispatch experts to examine the pagoda. "But for the time being, everything must depend on the temple's abbot," he said.
Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom also said he would have to discuss the issue with Phra Ratchathamsuthee, abbot of Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple, before any action could be taken.
Surrounded by revenue officials, the abbot was yesterday busy clarifying about the temple's income from producing the Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj General Sudjai Yannarat praised local people's effort to protect the pagoda.
"Such effort is good," he said.
Sudjai said he would dispatch more police officers to provide security and convenience at the temple. He said most trucks sneaked into the temple at around 3 am and 4 am before traffic police officers were present at the temple.
Provincial public-works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine whether the pagoda was really leaning.
However, he said his office was now very busy and suggested that an academic institute should step in to help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
These trucks carried Jatukham Ramathep amulets into the royal monastery's compound for a consecration ritual. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Tuesday.
A group of local people was now planning to petition to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wichom Thongsong for actions that could prevent the pagoda from leaning further.
Banjong Wongwichien, director of a local fine-arts office, said he was now preparing to urgently ask the Fine Arts Department to dispatch experts to examine the pagoda. "But for the time being, everything must depend on the temple's abbot," he said.
Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom also said he would have to discuss the issue with Phra Ratchathamsuthee, abbot of Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple, before any action could be taken.
Surrounded by revenue officials, the abbot was yesterday busy clarifying about the temple's income from producing the Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj General Sudjai Yannarat praised local people's effort to protect the pagoda.
"Such effort is good," he said.
Sudjai said he would dispatch more police officers to provide security and convenience at the temple. He said most trucks sneaked into the temple at around 3 am and 4 am before traffic police officers were present at the temple.
Provincial public-works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine whether the pagoda was really leaning.
However, he said his office was now very busy and suggested that an academic institute should step in to help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
19 July 2007
Nakhon Si Thammarat people call for pagoda to be preserved
More than 300 people marched on Wednesday to Nakhon Si Thammarat City Hall to demand that the provincial authority preserve the ancient pagoda of the Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple.
The pagoda is considered one of the best places to consecrate Jatukam Ramathep amulets, as it is said to house Buddha relics.
Locals have complained that the pagoda has started to lean as a result of vehicles arriving at the temple each day with the amulets.
"We have to protect the heritage our ancestors built for us," protest leader Paitoon Intasila said yesterday.
Wichit Chartpaisit, the deputy governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, met the protesters and explained that the provincial government was tackling the problem.
Meanwhile, Fine Arts Department directorgeneral Arak Sunghitakul yesterday called on the abbot of Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple to stop allowing trucks near the pagoda.
"Vibration could cause more damage to the pagoda," he said.
However, he said that the pagoda had been leaning since the last time his department inspected the site.
"But we are going to check whether it has leaned further. If so, we have to reinforce the base of the pagoda because its foundation was built on soft soil," Arak said.
Fine Arts Department deputy directorgeneral Khemachat Thepachai said engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology would urgently inspect the pagoda.
"Then, we will be able to compare the latest inspection findings to the information we gathered in our last inspection," Khemachat said.
Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Apichart Sakdiseth urged everyone to help preserve the sacred pagoda. "The provincial government, in particular, should take an active role," he said.
The Nation
The pagoda is considered one of the best places to consecrate Jatukam Ramathep amulets, as it is said to house Buddha relics.
Locals have complained that the pagoda has started to lean as a result of vehicles arriving at the temple each day with the amulets.
"We have to protect the heritage our ancestors built for us," protest leader Paitoon Intasila said yesterday.
Wichit Chartpaisit, the deputy governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, met the protesters and explained that the provincial government was tackling the problem.
Meanwhile, Fine Arts Department directorgeneral Arak Sunghitakul yesterday called on the abbot of Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple to stop allowing trucks near the pagoda.
"Vibration could cause more damage to the pagoda," he said.
However, he said that the pagoda had been leaning since the last time his department inspected the site.
"But we are going to check whether it has leaned further. If so, we have to reinforce the base of the pagoda because its foundation was built on soft soil," Arak said.
Fine Arts Department deputy directorgeneral Khemachat Thepachai said engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology would urgently inspect the pagoda.
"Then, we will be able to compare the latest inspection findings to the information we gathered in our last inspection," Khemachat said.
Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Apichart Sakdiseth urged everyone to help preserve the sacred pagoda. "The provincial government, in particular, should take an active role," he said.
The Nation
18 July 2007
Unheard of 20 years ago, Jatukam amulets are now selling like hot cakes. Who is this deity?
At first glance, the middle-aged businessman driving a luxury car seems to have nothing in common with the young gas station worker. On the surface, there are the obvious disparities in age, lifestyle and income, yet both have a similar preoccupation with what the future holds in store.
The businessman – we’ll call him Kamron – dresses smartly in brand-name suits, while Kai, the worker, wears jeans and a T-shirt. But neither would leave home without donning their most treasured accessory – a Jatukam amulet the size of a small coffee cup.
Jatukam is the most popular deity in Thailand today. His full name is Jatukam Ramathep and his image can be seen almost everywhere – on amulets, coins and statuettes, and even on incantation cloths.
His many devotees, ranging from the rich and famous to the poor and voiceless, believe that worshipping Jatukam guarantees them good fortune.
A decade ago, the Kingdom’s most popular deity was King Rama V. Then it became trendy to pray to Trimurati, the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, or the living Arahant (Arahat), an enlightened Buddhist monk. Two years ago, Pi Siew, a Chinese lion-like talisman, was all the rage. Now it’s the Jatukam.
Among Thailand’s Buddhist majority, the practice of dharma involves faith in self-reliance. But as human weakness is a fact of life inevitably leading to problems and stress, Thais need to believe that their fragile sides will be protected by a guardian spirit. So they invoke the help of deities who they regard as strong and benevolent.
In return, they promise to follow the path of the deity they’ve chosen.
Those who have faith in Jatukam don’t regard themselves as superstitious. His worshippers are instructed to offer him candles, joss sticks, flowers, fruits and water every day before chanting and praying for what they want.
“I worship the Jatukam deity in the way I worship the Lord Buddha and Arahants,” Kamron says. “The Jatukam deity is a bodhisattva [an enlightened one dedicated to assisting humanity]. The bodhisattva always gives his blessings and protects his followers from danger.”
Travelling frequently for business, Kamron says he was involved in four car accidents over a five-year period. But since donning the amulet he bought for Bt200,000 two years ago, he hasn’t had so much as a dent.
Kai, on the other hand, found the amulet in a specialist shop on New Year’s Day.
“It’s a miracle. I intended to spend no more than Bt1,000, but on the day I went to the shop, there was only one amulet in stock at Bt700, with the others all more than Bt3,000. I knew that the amulet was created for me.”
Kai had read up on Jatukam in the local newspapers.
“The Jatukam deity won’t help bad people. His worshippers have to at least practise the five Buddhist precepts. And the deity won’t help us if we ask for things that we can’t afford or things that aren’t moral. I hope to buy a small house for my family and I believe the Jatukam deity will help me,” he says.
The 400 or so different Jatukam amulets, coins, statuettes and incantation cloths currently available have prices ranging from Bt40 (for fakes) to Bt2 million. The first amulet, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100 – it’s now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000. Today, the most expensive amulets cost between
Bt1.5 million and
Bt2 million apiece.
The talismans are made in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla and Ayutthaya by laymen and Buddhist monks.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat the Jatukam is big business, with almost every Buddhist temple and even schools purporting to sell amulets for charity. Posters and billboards advertise the talismans and every local is expected to be an expert on the deity.
And while it’s true that the idea to produce Jatukam amulets and coins stems from a group of worshippers in Nakhon Si Thammarat, there are some different views on the deity’s origins.
In 1987, mediums recommended that a new lak muang (city pole) be commissioned as the old pole had lost its protective aura. The late Pol Maj Gen Khun Pantarakrachadej, a veteran police officer famed for his knowledge of the occult, (it’s rumoured he arrested criminals through magical powers), suggested that the warning through the mediums came from the spirit of the former ruler of the Srivijaya kingdom, King Chandrabhanu, otherwise known as Jatukam Ramathep.
According to historians, old Nakhon Si Thammarat was a part of Srivijaya, a coastal kingdom incorporating Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, mainland Indochina and western Borneo that flourished from around 500 CE until the late 11th century.
History also tells us that the Vajrayana sect of Mahayana Buddhism held sway in Srivijaya, and that its ruler considered himself a bodhisattva.
Legend has it that King Chandrabhanu, who was also known as Pangpagan, was a black-skinned warrior who courageously battled evil. This is why amulets of Pangpagan and Rahu (a black deity who inspires terror) are included in the group of Jatukam talismans.
The classic Jatukam is depicted seated, with his right leg slightly lifted; sometimes he has a seven-headed serpent behind him.
The black Pangpagan is shown seated cross-legged with his hands raised to cover his eyes, and flanked by serpents. Rahu can be recognised as a demon’s head.
Other symbols on Jatukam talismans include the sun and the moon, the animal signs representing the 12-year cycle and symbols of old Nakhon Si Thammarat’s 12 cities.
Not everyone agrees, however, that the Jatukam deity’s true identity is the Chandrabhanu bodhisattava. Some locals believe that the Jatukam is the guardian of the Maha That (the remains of Lord Buddha) in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Maha That Temple, built around 854 CE.
According to ancient beliefs, Maha That was the sacred centre of both the city and the universe.
Two statues of the deity, with names engraved at their bases, stand at the entrance of the Maha That pagoda: Tao Katukam at the west gate and Tao Ramathep at the east gate, while the head of Jatukam decorates the top of the new city pole.
Some Nakhon Si Thammarat natives say the Jatukam deity is none other than Tao Katukam and Tao Ramathep, probably the Hindu gods Brahma and Vishnu who were worshipped in the city in ancient times.
But for today’s Jatukam worshippers, the ancient history is probably irrelevant. They’re more interested in the “quick fix” that’s become associated with their chosen deity’s name.
And no doubt they will go on collecting these expensive talismans until Jatukam falls from favour, only to be replaced by a new, trendier deity.
Nithinand Yorsaengrat
The Nation
17 July 2007
DON'T SETTLE FOR JUST ANY AMULET : THE JATAKA PROMISES INSTANT RELIEF
from The Nation
Story by Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Deva amulet, better known as the "Jatukam", is becoming a hot item as it is believed to bring fortune to its owners in the blink of an eye.
While many retail shops selling Buddha amulets and coins are witnessing a drop in sales, those selling Jatukam amulets are experiencing long queues of enthusiastic customers.
One buyer claimed the amulet could immediately answer her wishes, prompting her to start collecting more of them.
Jatukam is named after a prince of the Srivijaya kingdom in southern Thailand who lived around 1,700 years ago. When his kingdom was threatened he managed to defeat his attackers. As a result, people worship Jatukam when they feel insecure or are worried about the economic situation.
Another buyer collects Jatukam amulets not only because of his belief in their magical powers but also for their stylish design.
"The amulet makes buyers feel they have something to hold onto in a volatile situation," said Nattanya Burapakorn, owner of one Jatukam amulet shop in Bangkok. She claimed to sell between 100 and 200 Jatukam amulets per day.
Tor Duangvichai, owner of an antique Buddha amulet shop, said that during this difficult economic and political time, people felt insecure. "So they look for these, which satisfy their wishes in a very short time and at a low investment cost," he said.
But what is the difference between a Jatukam and a Buddha amulet?
Nattanya says customers tell her the Buddha amulet does not answer their wishes immediately and they have to strictly continue to do good deeds, unlike the Jatukam, which customers claim enables them to fulfil their wishes within a short period.
There are over 400 different models of Jatukam amulets on the market. The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.
Nattanya said the price of a Jatukam had increased due to rising demand. The price of some of the most sought-after models jumped five times within a short period after the launch last year.
Laem Pisalo, editor of the Buddha amulet section of the Thai-language newspaper Kom Chad Luek, said those who worshipped Jatukam amulets ranged from businessmen to merchants and grass-roots people.
The most expensive Jatukam amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million each.
He added that many investors and temples now created Jatukam amulets instead of general Buddha amulets to ensure a quick return on investment. Jatukam-makers spend over Bt100 million a year on advertising in several media channels.
Tor said around 55 temples had plans to make the amulets, while last year more than 90 temples turned out the prized talismans.
"It is a boom era for the Jatukam," said Tor.
Almost 60 per cent of the retail amulet shops at Pantip Plaza Ngamwongwan have now turned to focus on promoting the Jatukam rather than the Buddha amulets, he said.
Story by Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Deva amulet, better known as the "Jatukam", is becoming a hot item as it is believed to bring fortune to its owners in the blink of an eye.
While many retail shops selling Buddha amulets and coins are witnessing a drop in sales, those selling Jatukam amulets are experiencing long queues of enthusiastic customers.
One buyer claimed the amulet could immediately answer her wishes, prompting her to start collecting more of them.
Jatukam is named after a prince of the Srivijaya kingdom in southern Thailand who lived around 1,700 years ago. When his kingdom was threatened he managed to defeat his attackers. As a result, people worship Jatukam when they feel insecure or are worried about the economic situation.
Another buyer collects Jatukam amulets not only because of his belief in their magical powers but also for their stylish design.
"The amulet makes buyers feel they have something to hold onto in a volatile situation," said Nattanya Burapakorn, owner of one Jatukam amulet shop in Bangkok. She claimed to sell between 100 and 200 Jatukam amulets per day.
Tor Duangvichai, owner of an antique Buddha amulet shop, said that during this difficult economic and political time, people felt insecure. "So they look for these, which satisfy their wishes in a very short time and at a low investment cost," he said.
But what is the difference between a Jatukam and a Buddha amulet?
Nattanya says customers tell her the Buddha amulet does not answer their wishes immediately and they have to strictly continue to do good deeds, unlike the Jatukam, which customers claim enables them to fulfil their wishes within a short period.
There are over 400 different models of Jatukam amulets on the market. The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.
Nattanya said the price of a Jatukam had increased due to rising demand. The price of some of the most sought-after models jumped five times within a short period after the launch last year.
Laem Pisalo, editor of the Buddha amulet section of the Thai-language newspaper Kom Chad Luek, said those who worshipped Jatukam amulets ranged from businessmen to merchants and grass-roots people.
The most expensive Jatukam amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million each.
He added that many investors and temples now created Jatukam amulets instead of general Buddha amulets to ensure a quick return on investment. Jatukam-makers spend over Bt100 million a year on advertising in several media channels.
Tor said around 55 temples had plans to make the amulets, while last year more than 90 temples turned out the prized talismans.
"It is a boom era for the Jatukam," said Tor.
Almost 60 per cent of the retail amulet shops at Pantip Plaza Ngamwongwan have now turned to focus on promoting the Jatukam rather than the Buddha amulets, he said.
16 July 2007
Jatukham Ramathep fever shaking the pagoda
The overwhelming popularity of Jatukam Ramathep amulets has literally shaken the Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple's sacred pagoda. Local people Tuesday complained that the pagoda was apparently leaning as a result of impacts from many trucks that headed to the temple each day.
These trucks carried Jatukham Ramathep amulets into the royal monastery's compound for a consecration ritual. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Tuesday.
A group of local people was now planning to petition to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wichom Thongsong for actions that could prevent the pagoda from leaning further.
Banjong Wongwichien, director of a local fine-arts office, said he was now preparing to urgently ask the Fine Arts Department to dispatch experts to examine the pagoda. "But for the time being, everything must depend on the temple's abbot," he said.
Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom also said he would have to discuss the issue with Phra Ratchathamsuthee, abbot of Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple, before any action could be taken.
Surrounded by revenue officials, the abbot was yesterday busy clarifying about the temple's income from producing the Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj General Sudjai Yannarat praised local people's effort to protect the pagoda.
"Such effort is good," he said.
Sudjai said he would dispatch more police officers to provide security and convenience at the temple. He said most trucks sneaked into the temple at around 3 am and 4 am before traffic police officers were present at the temple.
Provincial public-works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine whether the pagoda was really leaning.
However, he said his office was now very busy and suggested that an academic institute should step in to help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
These trucks carried Jatukham Ramathep amulets into the royal monastery's compound for a consecration ritual. The centuries-old pagoda houses Buddha relics.
"We have to do something before further damage is done," Somchoke Boonwisut, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Tuesday.
A group of local people was now planning to petition to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wichom Thongsong for actions that could prevent the pagoda from leaning further.
Banjong Wongwichien, director of a local fine-arts office, said he was now preparing to urgently ask the Fine Arts Department to dispatch experts to examine the pagoda. "But for the time being, everything must depend on the temple's abbot," he said.
Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somsak Khamtaweeprom also said he would have to discuss the issue with Phra Ratchathamsuthee, abbot of Mahathat Voramahavihara Temple, before any action could be taken.
Surrounded by revenue officials, the abbot was yesterday busy clarifying about the temple's income from producing the Jatukam Ramathep amulets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj General Sudjai Yannarat praised local people's effort to protect the pagoda.
"Such effort is good," he said.
Sudjai said he would dispatch more police officers to provide security and convenience at the temple. He said most trucks sneaked into the temple at around 3 am and 4 am before traffic police officers were present at the temple.
Provincial public-works chief Chaiyapat Siriprasert said it would be easy to determine whether the pagoda was really leaning.
However, he said his office was now very busy and suggested that an academic institute should step in to help.
Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat
15 July 2007
Kick amulet trade out of temples
Places of Buddhist worship should not be used for the crass sale of Jatukam Ramathep and other talismans
The Religious Affairs Department and the Office of the Sangha Supreme Council did what they could to control the damage done to the Jatukam Ramathep amulet trade following the death of a 51-year-old woman who was killed in a stampede set off by an unruly crowd waiting to purchase a "special edition" of the amulets in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Monday. The Religious Affairs Department announced that it planned to regulate the manufacturing, consecration and distribution of the much-sought-after charms as the cult of Jatukam continues to spread among a growing number of wayward Buddhists. Profiteering on the popular amulets has kicked in as monastic and lay administrators of Buddhist temples countrywide, motivated by naked greed, are selling the amulets as fast as they can churn them out.
A large section of Thai society is lapping them up and actively engaging in the frenzied speculation in the charms which has sent the prices of Jatukam skyrocketing. In the meantime, no one is getting any wiser or having any better an understanding of the essence of the Buddha's teachings, which emphasise the search for a sense of detachment from worldly temptations.
Preecha Kantiya, director-general of the Religious Affairs Department, said his department could not stop temples from manufacturing and distributing Jatukam Ramathep amulets to the public. He was being as honest as he was realistic about the entire situation. It is beyond his power to ask the abbots of Buddhist temples throughout the country to give up this lucrative fund-raising gimmick, which has become a big business generating billions of baht every year.
What is happening now is that the fad for amulets bearing the images of Buddha, which used to make tonnes of money for Buddhist temples in this country, has given way to the newer, previously unheard of Hindu deity.
The Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of Thai Buddhist monks, has clearly stated that Buddha amulets and all other talismans can be produced and distributed as mementoes or tokens of appreciation for merit-making or for cash donations to temples. The Sangha made it clear, however, that Buddhist monks are not supposed to be involved in the business of selling amulets or charms or to boast about the supernatural powers of those items to promote sales.
The Council warned that any Buddhist monk found to have engaged in the commercialisation of amulets or to have made false claims about their supernatural powers, will be subjected to the severest disciplinary action. Despite this, very few Buddhist monks practising black magic or making profits from the sale of amulets have ever been punished.
Even now many Buddhist temples continue to discreetly promote the idea that owning Jatukam amulets brings many benefits. The belief that the amulets have magical powers that protect their owners and bring them good luck is so widely held by so many people that it is no longer necessary for temples to spell it out to them.
The first batch of Jatukam amulets was introduced with little fanfare in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat some 20 years ago. The original creator of the amulets was a highly respected and honest police officer in Nakhon Si Thammarat who was reputed to possess occult knowledge.
With the Religious Affairs Department and the Sangha Supreme Council taking a half-hearted approach, not discouraging the trade but choosing to maintain the status quo, the trade in Jatukam amulets will probably continue unabated. Of course people will choose to believe what they want to believe, but Buddhist temples that are supposed to be devoted to the study of the Buddha's teachings and spreading that wisdom to as many people as possible, should refrain from preying on the impressionable masses.
Anyone with the most rudimentary knowledge of the Buddha's teachings should realise that; we would have thought that learned abbots and Buddhist monks running temples or houses of dharma would know better than to turn them into little more than amulet trading houses.
The Nation
The Religious Affairs Department and the Office of the Sangha Supreme Council did what they could to control the damage done to the Jatukam Ramathep amulet trade following the death of a 51-year-old woman who was killed in a stampede set off by an unruly crowd waiting to purchase a "special edition" of the amulets in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Monday. The Religious Affairs Department announced that it planned to regulate the manufacturing, consecration and distribution of the much-sought-after charms as the cult of Jatukam continues to spread among a growing number of wayward Buddhists. Profiteering on the popular amulets has kicked in as monastic and lay administrators of Buddhist temples countrywide, motivated by naked greed, are selling the amulets as fast as they can churn them out.
A large section of Thai society is lapping them up and actively engaging in the frenzied speculation in the charms which has sent the prices of Jatukam skyrocketing. In the meantime, no one is getting any wiser or having any better an understanding of the essence of the Buddha's teachings, which emphasise the search for a sense of detachment from worldly temptations.
Preecha Kantiya, director-general of the Religious Affairs Department, said his department could not stop temples from manufacturing and distributing Jatukam Ramathep amulets to the public. He was being as honest as he was realistic about the entire situation. It is beyond his power to ask the abbots of Buddhist temples throughout the country to give up this lucrative fund-raising gimmick, which has become a big business generating billions of baht every year.
What is happening now is that the fad for amulets bearing the images of Buddha, which used to make tonnes of money for Buddhist temples in this country, has given way to the newer, previously unheard of Hindu deity.
The Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of Thai Buddhist monks, has clearly stated that Buddha amulets and all other talismans can be produced and distributed as mementoes or tokens of appreciation for merit-making or for cash donations to temples. The Sangha made it clear, however, that Buddhist monks are not supposed to be involved in the business of selling amulets or charms or to boast about the supernatural powers of those items to promote sales.
The Council warned that any Buddhist monk found to have engaged in the commercialisation of amulets or to have made false claims about their supernatural powers, will be subjected to the severest disciplinary action. Despite this, very few Buddhist monks practising black magic or making profits from the sale of amulets have ever been punished.
Even now many Buddhist temples continue to discreetly promote the idea that owning Jatukam amulets brings many benefits. The belief that the amulets have magical powers that protect their owners and bring them good luck is so widely held by so many people that it is no longer necessary for temples to spell it out to them.
The first batch of Jatukam amulets was introduced with little fanfare in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat some 20 years ago. The original creator of the amulets was a highly respected and honest police officer in Nakhon Si Thammarat who was reputed to possess occult knowledge.
With the Religious Affairs Department and the Sangha Supreme Council taking a half-hearted approach, not discouraging the trade but choosing to maintain the status quo, the trade in Jatukam amulets will probably continue unabated. Of course people will choose to believe what they want to believe, but Buddhist temples that are supposed to be devoted to the study of the Buddha's teachings and spreading that wisdom to as many people as possible, should refrain from preying on the impressionable masses.
Anyone with the most rudimentary knowledge of the Buddha's teachings should realise that; we would have thought that learned abbots and Buddhist monks running temples or houses of dharma would know better than to turn them into little more than amulet trading houses.
The Nation
A presenthelp in adversity
Don't settle for just any amulet: the Jataka promises instant relief
The Deva amulet, better known as the "Jatukam", is becoming a hot item as it is believed to bring fortune to its owners in the blink of an eye.
While many retail shops selling Buddha amulets and coins are witnessing a drop in sales, those selling Jatukam amulets are experiencing long queues of enthusiastic customers.
One buyer claimed the amulet could immediately answer her wishes, prompting her to start collecting more of them.
Jatukam is named after a prince of the Srivijaya kingdom in southern Thailand who lived around 1,700 years ago. When his kingdom was threatened he managed to defeat his attackers. As a result, people worship Jatukam when they feel insecure or are worried about the economic situation.
Another buyer collects Jatukam amulets not only because of his belief in their magical powers but also for their stylish design.
"The amulet makes buyers feel they have something to hold onto in a volatile situation," said Nattanya Burapakorn, owner of one Jatukam amulet shop in Bangkok. She claimed to sell between 100 and 200 Jatukam amulets per day.
Tor Duangvichai, owner of an antique Buddha amulet shop, said that during this difficult economic and political time, people felt insecure. "So they look for these, which satisfy their wishes in a very short time and at a low investment cost," he said.
But what is the difference between a Jatukam and a Buddha amulet?
Nattanya says customers tell her the Buddha amulet does not answer their wishes immediately and they have to strictly continue to do good deeds, unlike the Jatukam, which customers claim enables them to fulfil their wishes within a short period.
There are over 400 different models of Jatukam amulets on the market. The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.
Nattanya said the price of a Jatukam had increased due to rising demand. The price of some of the most sought-after models jumped five times within a short period after the launch last year.
Laem Pisalo, editor of the Buddha amulet section of the Thai-language newspaper Kom Chad Luek, said those who worshipped Jatukam amulets ranged from businessmen to merchants and grass-roots people.
The most expensive Jatukam amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million each.
He added that many investors and temples now created Jatukam amulets instead of general Buddha amulets to ensure a quick return on investment. Jatukam-makers spend over Bt100 million a year on advertising in several media channels.
Tor said around 55 temples had plans to make the amulets, while last year more than 90 temples turned out the prized talismans.
"It is a boom era for the Jatukam," said Tor.
Almost 60 per cent of the retail amulet shops at Pantip Plaza Ngamwongwan have now turned to focus on promoting the Jatukam rather than the Buddha amulets, he said.
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation
The Deva amulet, better known as the "Jatukam", is becoming a hot item as it is believed to bring fortune to its owners in the blink of an eye.
While many retail shops selling Buddha amulets and coins are witnessing a drop in sales, those selling Jatukam amulets are experiencing long queues of enthusiastic customers.
One buyer claimed the amulet could immediately answer her wishes, prompting her to start collecting more of them.
Jatukam is named after a prince of the Srivijaya kingdom in southern Thailand who lived around 1,700 years ago. When his kingdom was threatened he managed to defeat his attackers. As a result, people worship Jatukam when they feel insecure or are worried about the economic situation.
Another buyer collects Jatukam amulets not only because of his belief in their magical powers but also for their stylish design.
"The amulet makes buyers feel they have something to hold onto in a volatile situation," said Nattanya Burapakorn, owner of one Jatukam amulet shop in Bangkok. She claimed to sell between 100 and 200 Jatukam amulets per day.
Tor Duangvichai, owner of an antique Buddha amulet shop, said that during this difficult economic and political time, people felt insecure. "So they look for these, which satisfy their wishes in a very short time and at a low investment cost," he said.
But what is the difference between a Jatukam and a Buddha amulet?
Nattanya says customers tell her the Buddha amulet does not answer their wishes immediately and they have to strictly continue to do good deeds, unlike the Jatukam, which customers claim enables them to fulfil their wishes within a short period.
There are over 400 different models of Jatukam amulets on the market. The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.
Nattanya said the price of a Jatukam had increased due to rising demand. The price of some of the most sought-after models jumped five times within a short period after the launch last year.
Laem Pisalo, editor of the Buddha amulet section of the Thai-language newspaper Kom Chad Luek, said those who worshipped Jatukam amulets ranged from businessmen to merchants and grass-roots people.
The most expensive Jatukam amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million each.
He added that many investors and temples now created Jatukam amulets instead of general Buddha amulets to ensure a quick return on investment. Jatukam-makers spend over Bt100 million a year on advertising in several media channels.
Tor said around 55 temples had plans to make the amulets, while last year more than 90 temples turned out the prized talismans.
"It is a boom era for the Jatukam," said Tor.
Almost 60 per cent of the retail amulet shops at Pantip Plaza Ngamwongwan have now turned to focus on promoting the Jatukam rather than the Buddha amulets, he said.
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation
14 July 2007
Jatukam Craze Damaging Ancient Pagoda In Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat people call for pagoda to be preservedMore than 300 people marched on Wednesday to Nakhon Si Thammarat City Hall to demand that the provincial authority preserve the ancient pagoda of the Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple.The pagoda is considered one of the best places to consecrate Jatukam Ramathep amulets, as it is said to house Buddha relics.Locals have complained that the pagoda has started to lean as a result of vehicles arriving at the temple each day with the amulets."We have to protect the heritage our ancestors built for us," protest leader Paitoon Intasila said yesterday.Wichit Chartpaisit, the deputy governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, met the protesters and explained that the provincial government was tackling the problem. Meanwhile, Fine Arts Department directorgeneral Arak Sunghitakul yesterday called on the abbot of Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple to stop allowing trucks near the pagoda."Vibration could cause more damage to the pagoda," he said.However, he said that the pagoda had been leaning since the last time his department inspected the site."But we are going to check whether it has leaned further. If so, we have to reinforce the base of the pagoda because its foundation was built on soft soil," Arak said.Fine Arts Department deputy directorgeneral Khemachat Thepachai said engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology would urgently inspect the pagoda."Then, we will be able to compare the latest inspection findings to the information we gathered in our last inspection," Khemachat said.Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Apichart Sakdiseth urged everyone to help preserve the sacred pagoda. "The provincial government, in particular, should take an active role," he said.
article source The Nation
article source The Nation
12 July 2007
The hottest THAI AMULET - Jatukam
Now if we talk about JATUKAM RAMATHEP in THAILAND, nobody are not known this name. Now Jatukam has more than 400 models cause Jatukam is a hottest talisman now.Jatukam is the most popular deity in Thailand today. His full name is Jatukam Ramathep and his image can be seen almost everywhere -on amulets, coins and statuettes and on incantation cloths are currently available at prices ranging from Bt40 (for fakes) to Bt2 million. The first amulet, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000. The most expensive amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million apiece. Jatukam was established and made by laymen and Buddhist monks, based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Songkhla and Ayutthaya. The Jatukam is depicted as a seated deity, with his right leg slightly lifted and sometimes with a seven-head serpent behind him. The black Pangpagan is shown seated cross-legged with his hands raised to cover his eyes and with serpents to his left and right. Rahu appears in a form of demon head. Other symbols in Jatukam talismans include the Sun and the Moon, the 12 animal signs representing the 12-year cycle and symbols of old Nakhon Sri Thammara's 12 subordinate cities in the south of Thailand
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The hottest THAI AMULET - Jatukam
Now if we talk about JATUKAM RAMATHEP in THAILAND, nobody are not known this name. Now Jatukam has more than 400 models cause Jatukam is a hottest talisman now.Jatukam is the most popular deity in Thailand today. His full name is Jatukam Ramathep and his image can be seen almost everywhere -on amulets, coins and statuettes and on incantation cloths. More than 400 different models of Jatukam amulets, coins, statuettes and incantation cloths are currently available at prices ranging from Bt40 (for fakes) to Bt2 million. The first amulet, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000. The most expensive amulets cost between Bt1.5 million and Bt2 million apiece. Jatukam was established and made by laymen and Buddhist monks, based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Songkhla and Ayutthaya. The Jatukam is depicted as a seated deity, with his right leg slightly lifted and sometimes with a seven-head serpent behind him. The black Pangpagan is shown seated cross-legged with his hands raised to cover his eyes and with serpents to his left and right. Rahu appears in a form of demon head. Other symbols in Jatukam talismans include the Sun and the Moon, the 12 animal signs representing the 12-year cycle and symbols of old Nakhon Sri Thammara's 12 subordinate cities in the south of Thailand.
11 July 2007
The Legend of Jatukam Ramathep
Once upon a time, many centuries ago (about 1700 years ago), it was a time of war and trouble. There lived a king and his princes in Central Siam. The elder prince named Jatukam and the other named Ramathep. After many years of war, the King finally conquered and managed to secure Sri Lanka into part of his Kingdom. There was a saying that the King possessed a sacred treasure, this was none other than the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Before the King began his journey to the newly conquered land, he tasked the protection of the relics to his two princes, & ordered them to guard it with their lives.Some time later, the princes received information of plan by their enemies to capture the relics. They immediately informed the King in Sri Lanka. The King instruction was to quickly take the relics away by sea and head to Sri Lanka. Halfway through the journey, a thunderstorm struck and their ships were sunken. Except the two princes, the rest of the crew did not survive.The two princes were washed ashore, but well. Without the sea transport, they could no longer bring the relics to Sri Lanka. They started praying sincerely to the relics, saying: “Dear Enlightened One! If this land we step upon is a holy piece of land, then please guide us let us live a new life here. With our people, we shall guard and protected your relics forever.”Later the two princes built a temple on this holy land and with much hard work, they also establish a wealthy and strong city. They brought new hope and peace to all the people. In remembrance of the great deeds by the two princes, they named this place Nakhon Si Thammarat in their honour. This is now located at Southern of Thailand at the present time. The temple that the two princes built for the relics is called Wat Mahathat - as it is known now.Ever since then, after a few centuries, many people had travelled to Wat Mahathat to locate the relics that were buried by the princes. Finally, they found a stone carving and the relics buried at the Wat. The stories of the two princes were found engraved on this stone.The two princes had done many great deeds and the greatest is by erecting the temple to house the relics. And they promised to guard the Relics with their lives. They had earned respect from both the heavenly and earthly beings. Later, the people combined the two princes into one and named him Tao Jatukam Ramathep when praying to him. Tao Jatukam Ramathep becomes one of the most respected and popular deities in the South of Thailand. In olden days, Tao was used to address noble ones. It is believed that those that pray to Tao Jatukam Ramathep will be blessed with fulfilling life and better in all aspects in everyday work. (End)
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09 July 2007
'Jatukham' cookies mock amulet craze
By PONGKAN CHONGCHAIHAN & CHINNAWAT SINGHA
Phra Payom Kalayano, the well-known abbot of Wat Suan Kaew, is selling edible ''Jatukham'' (four-bite) cookies to ridicule the public craze for Jatukarm Ramathep talismans. The senior monk yesterday introduced his new Jatukham cookies of the ''Chukkhid 4 Kham Ruay Khot'' (Bear in mind four bites and you will become super rich) model :p at his temple in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district. Packed in aluminium boxes, the cookies are sold in sets of four for 60 baht. Each cookie measures 6cm in diameter. The top is stamped with the word ''Jatukham'' and coated with a thin gold leaf. The other side carries the words Ou Ar Ka Sa and the signature of Phra Phayom.
Phra Payom Kalayano, the well-known abbot of Wat Suan Kaew, is selling edible ''Jatukham'' (four-bite) cookies to ridicule the public craze for Jatukarm Ramathep talismans. The senior monk yesterday introduced his new Jatukham cookies of the ''Chukkhid 4 Kham Ruay Khot'' (Bear in mind four bites and you will become super rich) model :p at his temple in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district. Packed in aluminium boxes, the cookies are sold in sets of four for 60 baht. Each cookie measures 6cm in diameter. The top is stamped with the word ''Jatukham'' and coated with a thin gold leaf. The other side carries the words Ou Ar Ka Sa and the signature of Phra Phayom.
Phra Payom Kalayano mockingly shows his edible "Jatukham" (four-bite) cookies.
The monk said Ou Ar Ka Sa is a magic spell - the core principles given by the Lord Buddha to bring forth wealth. Ou means diligence in earning a living and performing duties. Ar means saving money or assets that are acquired lawfully. Ka means associating with good and moral people. Sa means leading life simply and modestly. The abbot said the craze for the Jatukarm Ramathep amulets drove him to produce the cookies. He did not want to see Thai Buddhists blindly follow superstition and crave the amulets while ignoring the Lord Buddha's teachings.The monk said there had been hundreds of models of Jatukarm Ramathep talismans produced over the past few months, but the Ruay Maimee Hedpol (rich without reasons) model made him want to do something to remind Thais of Buddhist teachings. He conceded his efforts to bring the Lord Buddha's teachings closer to people are often not successful because many Thais are superstitious.Meanwhile, a senior monk in Phitsanulok province is being investigated over alleged irregularities in the production of Jatukarm Ramathep amulets.Phra Mahaniphon Chonthawathee, abbot of Wat Thepkunchorn in Muang district, is under investigation after refusing to let a temple committee examine the financial books. He has been barred from conducting religious activities outside the temple pending the probe.
articles source http://www.bangkokpost.net
JATUKHAM FEVER Amulet frenzy brings mini boom
Nakhon Si Thammarat rides economic crest as many rush to buy lucky charm The fatal crushing of a woman in a stampede has had no affect on the insatiable appetite for Jatukham Rammathep amulets, with the temple making and selling them fully booked until the end of the year for incantations.
We can't stop the production and incantations of the Jatukham Rammathep and must admit that the phenomenon has turned the province into an economic boom town," said Sonthaya Senniam, director of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Buddhism Office.Huge numbers of tourists are flocking to the province to worship Jatukham Rammathep statues located in Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawiharn or Wat Phra Nakhon, while amulet creators from across the country have come to use the temple as a place to recite incantations over the amulets.
Local hotels are fully booked each weekend.The first batch of Jatukham Rammathep amulets was introduced with little fanfare in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat 20 years ago.There are now more than 400 different models in the market.The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.The talisman started becoming a popular item in the middle of last year and is now almost an obsession.More than 200 editions of Jatukham Rammathep amulets are now being made throughout the Kingdom.Creations of "genuine" talismans require permission from Wat Phra Nakhon, and the incantations must be performed at the temple or at Nakhon Si Thammarat's city-pillar shrine.
"The temple has been fully reserved until December by more than 250 creators," said Sonthaya. "Instead of stopping the production of the amulets, we'd rather find stricter safety measures in the public distribution process," he said.The local committee overseeing the Jatukham Rammathep trend includes local administrators, police, temples and the amulet creators. They are now working on finding ways to prevent the chaos that occurred on April 9, when a 51-year-old local woman was crushed to death and dozens of people were injured as thousands forced their way into a technical school in the province to buy reserving coupons for the amulets made at Wat Phra Nakhon.Yesterday, the temple distributed the coupons for the Jatukham Rammathep special edition called Ngern Lai Ma II at three spots in the city: Nakhon Si Thammarat Technical College, Rama IX Park and Thanakhonyanwaropasuthit School.The special edition consists of 30,000 sets, each including 13 talismans and costing Bt500. It could hardly cover the demand from hundreds of thousands of people.The temple made the original Jatukham Rammathep amulets, among them the very popular Ngern Lai Ma edition distributed early this year.
A Jatukham Rammathep "guru" said the amulets were pumping Bt100 million into Nakhon Si Thammarat each week. All flights to the province have been booked out, and passengers must fly to Krabi instead, then take a bus to Nakhon Si Thammarat.Maj-General Sudjai Yanarat, the provincial police commander, said the phenomenon had changed police priorities, because they now had to deal with the massive influx of tourists and Jatukham Rammathep followers from across the country.Traffic police have been under a lot of pressure, due to huge traffic jams.Wat Phra Nakhon abbot Phra Maha Maitri said the Religious Affairs Department had ordered the postponement of the amulets' production, but it was impossible to stop, because of the huge amount of money to be made in the province.The talismans, he added, were sold by the temple at moderate rates, but the price shot up tenfold when resold.However, the distribution of the special edition has been halted until the temple can come up with a safer way to distribute them, Phra Maha Maitri said.
Nonetheless, hundreds of people are still waiting in front of the temple gates, hoping the distribution will start again.The Jatukham Rammathep amulets have gained a huge and almost frenzied following based on claims of their magical powers and the good fortune they can bring to their owners.Although it has no relation to Buddhism, many Thai Buddhists believe in the amulets' power and are prepared to pay large sums for one."The faith [in the amulets] is creating huge benefits for the businessmen now dominating 80 per cent of production. There are several 'organisers' set up to produce the amulets for investors," said a Jatukham Rammathep co-ordinator at a local temple.Another Jatukham Rammathep "guru", Pong Phrakrueng, said the amulets sold in the market cost Bt100 to Bt5 million - and up.He predicted the phenomenon would continue for another couple of years. When more editions are produced, the trend will "moderate", with only the original editions still in demand
Chatrarat Kaewmorakot
Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong
The Nation
article source http://www.nationmultimedia.com
We can't stop the production and incantations of the Jatukham Rammathep and must admit that the phenomenon has turned the province into an economic boom town," said Sonthaya Senniam, director of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Buddhism Office.Huge numbers of tourists are flocking to the province to worship Jatukham Rammathep statues located in Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawiharn or Wat Phra Nakhon, while amulet creators from across the country have come to use the temple as a place to recite incantations over the amulets.
Local hotels are fully booked each weekend.The first batch of Jatukham Rammathep amulets was introduced with little fanfare in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat 20 years ago.There are now more than 400 different models in the market.The first model, made in 1987, cost less than Bt100. It is now worth between Bt500,000 and Bt600,000.The talisman started becoming a popular item in the middle of last year and is now almost an obsession.More than 200 editions of Jatukham Rammathep amulets are now being made throughout the Kingdom.Creations of "genuine" talismans require permission from Wat Phra Nakhon, and the incantations must be performed at the temple or at Nakhon Si Thammarat's city-pillar shrine.
"The temple has been fully reserved until December by more than 250 creators," said Sonthaya. "Instead of stopping the production of the amulets, we'd rather find stricter safety measures in the public distribution process," he said.The local committee overseeing the Jatukham Rammathep trend includes local administrators, police, temples and the amulet creators. They are now working on finding ways to prevent the chaos that occurred on April 9, when a 51-year-old local woman was crushed to death and dozens of people were injured as thousands forced their way into a technical school in the province to buy reserving coupons for the amulets made at Wat Phra Nakhon.Yesterday, the temple distributed the coupons for the Jatukham Rammathep special edition called Ngern Lai Ma II at three spots in the city: Nakhon Si Thammarat Technical College, Rama IX Park and Thanakhonyanwaropasuthit School.The special edition consists of 30,000 sets, each including 13 talismans and costing Bt500. It could hardly cover the demand from hundreds of thousands of people.The temple made the original Jatukham Rammathep amulets, among them the very popular Ngern Lai Ma edition distributed early this year.
A Jatukham Rammathep "guru" said the amulets were pumping Bt100 million into Nakhon Si Thammarat each week. All flights to the province have been booked out, and passengers must fly to Krabi instead, then take a bus to Nakhon Si Thammarat.Maj-General Sudjai Yanarat, the provincial police commander, said the phenomenon had changed police priorities, because they now had to deal with the massive influx of tourists and Jatukham Rammathep followers from across the country.Traffic police have been under a lot of pressure, due to huge traffic jams.Wat Phra Nakhon abbot Phra Maha Maitri said the Religious Affairs Department had ordered the postponement of the amulets' production, but it was impossible to stop, because of the huge amount of money to be made in the province.The talismans, he added, were sold by the temple at moderate rates, but the price shot up tenfold when resold.However, the distribution of the special edition has been halted until the temple can come up with a safer way to distribute them, Phra Maha Maitri said.
Nonetheless, hundreds of people are still waiting in front of the temple gates, hoping the distribution will start again.The Jatukham Rammathep amulets have gained a huge and almost frenzied following based on claims of their magical powers and the good fortune they can bring to their owners.Although it has no relation to Buddhism, many Thai Buddhists believe in the amulets' power and are prepared to pay large sums for one."The faith [in the amulets] is creating huge benefits for the businessmen now dominating 80 per cent of production. There are several 'organisers' set up to produce the amulets for investors," said a Jatukham Rammathep co-ordinator at a local temple.Another Jatukham Rammathep "guru", Pong Phrakrueng, said the amulets sold in the market cost Bt100 to Bt5 million - and up.He predicted the phenomenon would continue for another couple of years. When more editions are produced, the trend will "moderate", with only the original editions still in demand
Chatrarat Kaewmorakot
Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong
The Nation
article source http://www.nationmultimedia.com
08 July 2007
Going, Going, Gong—Thai Amulet Fever
Thais are fond of amulets, of course, but the latest to hang from Thai necks exceed most others in value and size. The new amulet, Jatukam Ramathep, is the object of a nationwide craze, with each new issue fetching ever higher prices.
The intrinsic value of the Olympic medal-sized amulets isn’t great, and as a work of art they’re mundane, depicting a man in traditional regalia sitting in a meditative pose, left hand on his knee, and right hand held shoulder-high, palm outward. Yet when a fresh set of amulets went on sale in April, buyers stampeded, trampling one woman to death. Thieves raid homes, shops and temples in search of them.
So what’s the reason for the hysteria? The usual explanation is advanced—the amulets are supposed to possess magical powers. They first appeared in the southern Thai town of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the provincial police chief, Maj Gen Phantarak Rajadej, was said to be able to exercise these powers. He died last September at the age of 103, and a holy site he had been involved in constructing, the City Pillar, became the center of the Jatukam trade.
Some people swear their medallion has saved them from death or serious injury. Others are thought to buy the medallion as a good luck talisman in the present times of political and economic uncertainty. Skeptics say the fever is symptomatic of the “confused state of Thai Buddhism,” according to the English language newspaper, The Nation. Some accuse monks of making large sums of money from the sale of the amulets, which fetch up to 100,000 baht (US $2,800).
“There’s a tremendous amount of money floating around in the amulet market,” according to Sanit Rangnoi, director general of the Thai Revenue Department. It’s estimated that the total value of known sales so far is at least 20 billion baht ($560 million).
article source http://www.irrawaddy.org
05 July 2007
The Jatukam Ramathep amulet phenomenon is symptomatic of the confused state of Thai Buddhism
The runaway popularity of Jatukam Ramathep amulets cannot be attributed only to intense publicity in the mass media in recent years. The widespread worship of the talismans by people who call themselves Buddhists is symptomatic of a confused state of affairs regarding Buddhism as we know it in this country. The first batch of Jatukam amulets was introduced with little fanfare in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat 20 years ago. Now, the amulets bearing the image of this once-obscure deity have become very popular and their prices are skyrocketing. Jatukam amulets may already have surpassed other amulets bearing the images of the Buddha and venerable monks in popularity among the collecting community.
Jatukam amulets are gaining a huge following based on claims of magical powers and the good fortune they can bring to their owners. Indeed, the creator of the original Jatukam amulets was a highly respected and honest police officer in Nakhon Si Thammarat who was reputed to possess knowledge of the occult. After some editions of the Jatukam amulets gained currency, people in the amulet trade, who traditionally manufactured amulets bearing the Buddha's image, jumped in to capitalise on the newly lucrative business. Since then, Jatukam amulets - and tales of their magical powers - have been promoted in a big way by shrewd manufacturers. Hundreds of Buddhist temples throughout the country are now ordering Jatukam amulets to sell as part of their fund-raising campaigns.
It is worth noting that the Jatukam phenomenon is no different from the long-established commercialisation of Buddhism through the sale of Buddha amulets. Usually the issue of "special editions" of Buddha amulets is initiated by lay administrators from temples with the blessing of abbots or senior monks. The amulets, which usually undergo some sort of consecration ceremony, are then sold to collectors and profits are shared between the lay administrators of temples and the monks. The rationale cited by the Buddhist monastic authority for tolerating, if not condoning, such commercial practice is that Buddhists from different backgrounds worship in different ways. Some take an intellectual approach to Buddhism by studying the Buddha's teachings and applying that knowledge in their personal life, while others still cannot get over their attachment to animistic practices, including amulet worshipping and black magic.
Just like traders in more common Buddha amulets, traders of Jatukam amulets know how to manipulate their customers. People began to speculate on Jatukam amulets, sending the prices of some editions soaring, and some amulets that originally sold for a few thousand baht have appreciated in price 100-fold. But it remains to be seen if the Jatukam phenomenon is going to last.
The Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial authorities have called a meeting of amulet manufacturers, Buddhist temples and people in the trade to try to clean up the image of the Jatukam amulets. Lately there have been many complaints about "fake" or "substandard" amulets found to have been circulated in the market. The authorities insist that distribution of the amulets should be treated as just another medium through which to get to know dhamma and the Buddha's teachings. In other words, everyone to his own taste.
But there is a fine line between amulet-making in order to help people find the true meaning of Buddhism, and the systematic commercial exploitation of Buddhism. Temples often claim that they give out amulets as tokens of appreciation to people who make merit by donating money. Merit-making through donations to temples is widely practised by Thai Buddhists, but not many people attach as much importance to the study of the Buddha's teachings.
The Religious Affairs Department and the National Buddhism Office have no intention of intervening, saying amulet collecting is something that many people rely on for peace of mind, and Buddhists who collect amulets should be allowed to pursue their beliefs and preferences, within reason. This advice makes sense. Many Thais feel insecure, given the ongoing political turmoil, economic uncertainty and social instability. The more insecure people become, the more they seek out objects reputed to have supernatural powers that will bring them good fortune. If nothing else, the phenomenon offers food for thought on the relevance of Buddhism in this society, or the lack thereof.
by The Nation www.nationgroup.com
Jatukam amulets are gaining a huge following based on claims of magical powers and the good fortune they can bring to their owners. Indeed, the creator of the original Jatukam amulets was a highly respected and honest police officer in Nakhon Si Thammarat who was reputed to possess knowledge of the occult. After some editions of the Jatukam amulets gained currency, people in the amulet trade, who traditionally manufactured amulets bearing the Buddha's image, jumped in to capitalise on the newly lucrative business. Since then, Jatukam amulets - and tales of their magical powers - have been promoted in a big way by shrewd manufacturers. Hundreds of Buddhist temples throughout the country are now ordering Jatukam amulets to sell as part of their fund-raising campaigns.
It is worth noting that the Jatukam phenomenon is no different from the long-established commercialisation of Buddhism through the sale of Buddha amulets. Usually the issue of "special editions" of Buddha amulets is initiated by lay administrators from temples with the blessing of abbots or senior monks. The amulets, which usually undergo some sort of consecration ceremony, are then sold to collectors and profits are shared between the lay administrators of temples and the monks. The rationale cited by the Buddhist monastic authority for tolerating, if not condoning, such commercial practice is that Buddhists from different backgrounds worship in different ways. Some take an intellectual approach to Buddhism by studying the Buddha's teachings and applying that knowledge in their personal life, while others still cannot get over their attachment to animistic practices, including amulet worshipping and black magic.
Just like traders in more common Buddha amulets, traders of Jatukam amulets know how to manipulate their customers. People began to speculate on Jatukam amulets, sending the prices of some editions soaring, and some amulets that originally sold for a few thousand baht have appreciated in price 100-fold. But it remains to be seen if the Jatukam phenomenon is going to last.
The Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial authorities have called a meeting of amulet manufacturers, Buddhist temples and people in the trade to try to clean up the image of the Jatukam amulets. Lately there have been many complaints about "fake" or "substandard" amulets found to have been circulated in the market. The authorities insist that distribution of the amulets should be treated as just another medium through which to get to know dhamma and the Buddha's teachings. In other words, everyone to his own taste.
But there is a fine line between amulet-making in order to help people find the true meaning of Buddhism, and the systematic commercial exploitation of Buddhism. Temples often claim that they give out amulets as tokens of appreciation to people who make merit by donating money. Merit-making through donations to temples is widely practised by Thai Buddhists, but not many people attach as much importance to the study of the Buddha's teachings.
The Religious Affairs Department and the National Buddhism Office have no intention of intervening, saying amulet collecting is something that many people rely on for peace of mind, and Buddhists who collect amulets should be allowed to pursue their beliefs and preferences, within reason. This advice makes sense. Many Thais feel insecure, given the ongoing political turmoil, economic uncertainty and social instability. The more insecure people become, the more they seek out objects reputed to have supernatural powers that will bring them good fortune. If nothing else, the phenomenon offers food for thought on the relevance of Buddhism in this society, or the lack thereof.
by The Nation www.nationgroup.com
02 July 2007
Jatukam!
Nakhon Si Thammarat lies at roughly the same latitude as Phuket, except that it is on the Gulf of Thailand side of the Malay Peninsula, instead of the Andaman Sea. It is an ancient city, tracing its present incarnation back to the 13th Century. One can easily discern the outlines of the old city in the current layout of streets and in the remnants of the city wall.Lately, this city has become a tourist destination, possibly the biggest tourist destination in Thailand. Four flights a day from Bangkok disgorge visitors. They stream off buses and trains. The city estimates that 1.6 million people visited in 2006, straining the city’s modest accommodations.None of the visitors are foreign tourists, of course, no sun-seeking Europeans, no back- packers no beachcombers. During the weekend I spent there, I encountered only one other farang, a Dane who was attending his brother-in-law’s wedding, and he seemed happy enough to get back to Chiang Mai.The visitors, more accurately pilgrims, are all Thai. They don’t come because of the city’s rich history, the Makhalon archeological site to the north or the Phrom Lok Waterfall or any of the other attractions touted by the Tourism Association of Thailand, Southern Region. No, they come for just one reason:
Jatukam!
All of Thailand is in the grip of Jatukam fever, but nowhere else is it so all-consuming as in this southern Thai city, where it all began. Here it seems like every other citizen is wearing one of the amulets.They are easy to spot, since they look like Olympic bronze medals suspended by a chain around the neck. Sometimes more than one. (Thai joke: A man goes to the doctor complaining of neck and shoulder pain. The doctor points to the five Jatukam medallions strung around his neck and suggests he lighten the load.)It is impossible to ignore the phenomenon here. Bill boards plastered on the side of buildings display the latest models. Sound trucks that in any other Thai city might be advertising boxing matches or the candidates in local elections, blast information on new medals.Along Ratchadamoen Road, the town’s main street, whole shops are given over to display cases stocked with the medallions in their little plastic cases, generally priced from 2,000 to 5,000 baht. Even stores that sell ordinary household items still have a few cases displaying the latest amulets.The Jatukam craze has become a huge bonanza for Nakhon Si Thammarat and the Buddhist temples that give the medals their blessing. Of the city’s 560 temples, 200 produce the amulets, and more are planning to do so. The sales and visitors have brought in more than 10 billion baht.Jatukam fever is bringing in so much money that the Thai Revenue Department is considering whether to tax them, helping to offset loss of tax revenue from the general downturn in the economy. “There’s a tremendous amount of money floating around in the amulet market,” said department director general Sanit Rangnoi.
What is Jatukam?It is actually two people, Jatukam Rammathep, and their origin is obscure and difficult to understand for someone not steeped in Hindu-Buddhist mythology. By some accounts, they were princes in the Srivijay Kingdom of which Nahkon Si Thammarat was the center.Another theory is that the names are a corruption of Khuttugama and Ramadeva two Hindu guardians, that can be seen alongside the stairway leading into the inner sanctum of the Great Stupa of the Wat Pra Mahathat, which is said to be the most important and historic Buddhist temple in southern Thailand.The first Jatukam amulets were stuck and sold in 1987 (they now fetch prices in excess of a million baht). But only a few of the amulets were sold for many years. The craze only took off last year.Most Jatukam enthusiasts associate the amulets with a much more contemporary figure, Police Major General Phantarak Rajadej, the provincial police chief who died only last September at age 103. He was said to have magical powers and instrumental in building the holy site called the City Pillar, now a center of the trade.
His cremation ceremony here in February drew tens of thousands of people, some hoping to obtain one of the talismans distributed to mourners. His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn presided.On a rainy Saturday in late April I found my way to the City Pillar to observe the consecration of a new Jatukam amulet. The pillar is a golden stele, with a four faces of Buddha at the top enclosed in an alabaster white structure.In the late morning the courtyard was already crowed with people. A huge offering table displayed a feast of symbolic offerings: heaps of grapes, bananas, crabs, durians, even two hogs heads. A loudspeaker blared out constant announcements or prayers. Every now and then one heard the crackling of fire works.At 1:30 p.m. ten saffron-clad monks took their seats on a long bench on one side of the pillar and began a steady, droning prayer chant that lasted for 40 minutes as people paid their respects by listening respectfully, their hands folded in prayer.On the far side of the pillar complex several men were kneading clay that would be pressed into amulets. The chanting came to a close, and a senior monk took his place on front of a press, having the privilege of striking off the first amulet.
Then he stood up cupping the newly minted medallion in the palm of his hand for all to see. People crowded around to look and take pictures as if it were some kind of an exotic and fabulously expensive rare jewel. Another little Buddha was born.There plenty of theories to explain the enormous popularity of the Jatukam amulets in Thailand at this time in its history. And there are plenty of people happy to testify about motorbike accidents survived, of diseases cured by the miraculous power of the amulet.Some argue that the phenomenon is symptomatic of the “confused state of Thai Buddhism” – to quote The Nation newspaper - where temples and monks are willing to debase their calling for the enormous profits that can had from amulet sales, sales that dwarf the traditional temple trinkets by a huge margin.Some argue that Thais are feeling insecure given the country’s political turmoil and the aging of their beloved King and thus put their faith in objects they think can bring them good fortune.One should not discount their sheer collectability. New amulets are issued almost every day. Glossy, four-color catalogues display the latest models complete with the numbers of each edition and their prices.And there is also the simple excitement of one young woman at the City Pillar as she struggled to convey in her limited English to this unenlightened farang why she was so happy to be present at the consecration of a new Jatukam amulet. “It gives you everything.”
article source http://www.inblogs.net
by Todd Crowell
Jatukam!
All of Thailand is in the grip of Jatukam fever, but nowhere else is it so all-consuming as in this southern Thai city, where it all began. Here it seems like every other citizen is wearing one of the amulets.They are easy to spot, since they look like Olympic bronze medals suspended by a chain around the neck. Sometimes more than one. (Thai joke: A man goes to the doctor complaining of neck and shoulder pain. The doctor points to the five Jatukam medallions strung around his neck and suggests he lighten the load.)It is impossible to ignore the phenomenon here. Bill boards plastered on the side of buildings display the latest models. Sound trucks that in any other Thai city might be advertising boxing matches or the candidates in local elections, blast information on new medals.Along Ratchadamoen Road, the town’s main street, whole shops are given over to display cases stocked with the medallions in their little plastic cases, generally priced from 2,000 to 5,000 baht. Even stores that sell ordinary household items still have a few cases displaying the latest amulets.The Jatukam craze has become a huge bonanza for Nakhon Si Thammarat and the Buddhist temples that give the medals their blessing. Of the city’s 560 temples, 200 produce the amulets, and more are planning to do so. The sales and visitors have brought in more than 10 billion baht.Jatukam fever is bringing in so much money that the Thai Revenue Department is considering whether to tax them, helping to offset loss of tax revenue from the general downturn in the economy. “There’s a tremendous amount of money floating around in the amulet market,” said department director general Sanit Rangnoi.
What is Jatukam?It is actually two people, Jatukam Rammathep, and their origin is obscure and difficult to understand for someone not steeped in Hindu-Buddhist mythology. By some accounts, they were princes in the Srivijay Kingdom of which Nahkon Si Thammarat was the center.Another theory is that the names are a corruption of Khuttugama and Ramadeva two Hindu guardians, that can be seen alongside the stairway leading into the inner sanctum of the Great Stupa of the Wat Pra Mahathat, which is said to be the most important and historic Buddhist temple in southern Thailand.The first Jatukam amulets were stuck and sold in 1987 (they now fetch prices in excess of a million baht). But only a few of the amulets were sold for many years. The craze only took off last year.Most Jatukam enthusiasts associate the amulets with a much more contemporary figure, Police Major General Phantarak Rajadej, the provincial police chief who died only last September at age 103. He was said to have magical powers and instrumental in building the holy site called the City Pillar, now a center of the trade.
His cremation ceremony here in February drew tens of thousands of people, some hoping to obtain one of the talismans distributed to mourners. His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn presided.On a rainy Saturday in late April I found my way to the City Pillar to observe the consecration of a new Jatukam amulet. The pillar is a golden stele, with a four faces of Buddha at the top enclosed in an alabaster white structure.In the late morning the courtyard was already crowed with people. A huge offering table displayed a feast of symbolic offerings: heaps of grapes, bananas, crabs, durians, even two hogs heads. A loudspeaker blared out constant announcements or prayers. Every now and then one heard the crackling of fire works.At 1:30 p.m. ten saffron-clad monks took their seats on a long bench on one side of the pillar and began a steady, droning prayer chant that lasted for 40 minutes as people paid their respects by listening respectfully, their hands folded in prayer.On the far side of the pillar complex several men were kneading clay that would be pressed into amulets. The chanting came to a close, and a senior monk took his place on front of a press, having the privilege of striking off the first amulet.
Then he stood up cupping the newly minted medallion in the palm of his hand for all to see. People crowded around to look and take pictures as if it were some kind of an exotic and fabulously expensive rare jewel. Another little Buddha was born.There plenty of theories to explain the enormous popularity of the Jatukam amulets in Thailand at this time in its history. And there are plenty of people happy to testify about motorbike accidents survived, of diseases cured by the miraculous power of the amulet.Some argue that the phenomenon is symptomatic of the “confused state of Thai Buddhism” – to quote The Nation newspaper - where temples and monks are willing to debase their calling for the enormous profits that can had from amulet sales, sales that dwarf the traditional temple trinkets by a huge margin.Some argue that Thais are feeling insecure given the country’s political turmoil and the aging of their beloved King and thus put their faith in objects they think can bring them good fortune.One should not discount their sheer collectability. New amulets are issued almost every day. Glossy, four-color catalogues display the latest models complete with the numbers of each edition and their prices.And there is also the simple excitement of one young woman at the City Pillar as she struggled to convey in her limited English to this unenlightened farang why she was so happy to be present at the consecration of a new Jatukam amulet. “It gives you everything.”
article source http://www.inblogs.net
by Todd Crowell
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