The Jatukham Rammathep craze has literally gone sky-high. The Royal Thai Air Force took some much-sought-after amulets on routine flights on F-16 and F-5 fighters in the hope of boosting their supernatural powers and market value.
Air Chief Marshal Paisal Sitabutr, the Air Force's deputy commander, could not explain the logic behind his reasoning but maintained the jets' supersonic speed would quicken one's good fortune, protection and prosperity. The unprecedented height would make the amulets stand out above the rest, literally and figuratively. Moreover, Paisal told The Nation yesterday, the fact that such a "dignified" institution as the Air Force was behind the making of this series of amulets would boost its reputation and sales.
On Monday, the Air Force organised incantation rites for its amulets in Prachuab Khiri Khan. Paisal said the Air Force decided to join the Jatukham Rammathep fever because it wanted to collect huge sums of money for renovation of Wat Mahathat in Bangkok and the twin pagodas, Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri, on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai. The renovation projects costing about Bt100 million are to commemorate the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King in December, he said. "During these days, what else can be done to generate huge money better than Jatukham?" he said. [Indeed!] Paisal saw nothing wrong in the Air Force generating money by producing amulets and using the fighter jets in the incantation. "We have fighters that fly regularly. We just asked the pilots to take the materials [to produce the amulets] with them. We did not hold any special flights for this thing," he said.
The Air Force's action bemused respected archaeologist Srisakara Vallibhotama. "Why didn't they take them up to Mars?" he asked sarcastically. Srisakara questioned the attitude of the Air Force, which is a security-related institution, towards the Jatukham hype and said the process by which these amulets were created lacked moral authority. "You are doing something against nature. How can things produced by an unnatural process contain Dharma of the Buddha, as Dharma means nature?" he asked.
Since last year, Jatukham fever has spread throughout the country, grabbing the attention of celebrities, politicians and ordinary people. The Kasikorn Research Centre estimated that from late last year more than Bt20 billion had been generated by the Jatukham craze. The Revenue Department was considering whether to tax enterprises related to the soaring sales of Jatukham items. The Air Force's incantation rites took place just a few days after the outspoken abbot of Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi, Phra Payom Kalayano, one of the country's most revered Buddhist monks, launched an edible Jatukham cookie to mock the craze for the popular talisman.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/20/headlines/headlines_30037352.php
Showing posts with label amulet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amulet. Show all posts
01 September 2007
31 August 2007
More suits loom over amulets
Two more people involved in allegedly fake production of a Jatukham Rammathep amulet are set to face fraud charges, a lawyer representing a group of dissatisfied buyers said yesterday.
Chor Chuaphen Phetphasit said the two had been targeted after another three customers sought to get their money back after receiving amulets different from what they were shown on advertisements.
A group of 15 people filed lawsuits against six people on Monday for their role in production of a large number of "Ruay Lon Fa" amulets, which claimed to have been approved by the provincial court in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
But the court never gave such permission and is suing them for using its name.
The lawyer Chor said he may file a new criminal suit against the two unidentified people today.
Both lawsuits have also demanded around Bt5 million be returned to the plaintiffs, who made payments to reserve the "Ruay Lon Fa" model.
Chor said some of the six defendants in the first lawsuit had contacted him to negotiate certain terms, including returning money to the plaintiffs, in return for withdrawal of the lawsuit.
Lawan Wetchasarn, a senior official with the provincial hall, said the amulets were actually silver-coated but the advertising said they were made entirely of silver.
She said she had received three other complaints over the Jatukham Rammathep amulets, but had ordered only one to be investigated.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/23/regional/regional_30046172.php
Chor Chuaphen Phetphasit said the two had been targeted after another three customers sought to get their money back after receiving amulets different from what they were shown on advertisements.
A group of 15 people filed lawsuits against six people on Monday for their role in production of a large number of "Ruay Lon Fa" amulets, which claimed to have been approved by the provincial court in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
But the court never gave such permission and is suing them for using its name.
The lawyer Chor said he may file a new criminal suit against the two unidentified people today.
Both lawsuits have also demanded around Bt5 million be returned to the plaintiffs, who made payments to reserve the "Ruay Lon Fa" model.
Chor said some of the six defendants in the first lawsuit had contacted him to negotiate certain terms, including returning money to the plaintiffs, in return for withdrawal of the lawsuit.
Lawan Wetchasarn, a senior official with the provincial hall, said the amulets were actually silver-coated but the advertising said they were made entirely of silver.
She said she had received three other complaints over the Jatukham Rammathep amulets, but had ordered only one to be investigated.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/23/regional/regional_30046172.php
29 August 2007
Losing its charm
The bottom seems at last to have fallen out of the Jatukam market
Demand for Jatukam Ramathep amulets will taper off next year and sales ease to about Bt10 billion, just a quarter of what has been quoted for 2007.
The Jatukam Ramathep bubble may have burst, but it was a craze that ran hot for more than seven years.
In 2000, the combined market value of the amulets, perceived to be sacred, especially if they are anointed at Wat Phramahathat Worrawiharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, was around Bt5 billion.
According to Kasikorn Research Centre, the market doubled every two to three years, rising to an estimated Bt10 billion in 2003 and Bt20 billion in 2005.
The sales figure being tossed about for this year is a whopping Bt40 billion.
Now that could be history, and another boom is unlikely any time soon, according to those knowledgeable about auspicious objects.
The reversal of fortune can be attributed to overheated demand forcing up prices. Jatukam Ramathep amulets skyrocketed from just Bt50-Bt100 each to more than Bt2,000 for an "average" example.
In addition, the boom led to mass production of sub-standard amulets. There was frenzied speculation for quick profits, too.
Bang Lamphu amulet-trader Thep, who asked that his family name be withheld, said the boom was "really incredible".
"You only needed a tiny shop here to make tens of thousands of baht a day. The place was overcrowded most of the time.
"Now that's a thing of the past. Today less than 10 customers a day visit a big Jatukam shop. Making money is difficult."
And you can pick up an amulet over the Internet for as little as Bt5. That is a market collapse.
Kasikorn researcher Phaka-on Thipayadecha said the popularity had died.
"The bubble has burst. Demand for amulets is returning to normal, with only those who really have faith wanting them," she said.
The Jatukam Ramathep charms were created at Wat Phramahathat to pay respect to Nakhon Si Thammarat's guardian god and former ruler. The province was at the centre of the former Srivichai kingdom. Jatukam Ramathep was the name of one of its kings.
Former police officer Phantharak Ratchadej created the first amulets.
They started to gain in popularity after tales of miracles spread by word of mouth and Buddhist-amulet magazines.
"It's difficult to explain scientifically, but miracles did happen. People with the amulets survived accidents and murder attempts.
"I personally believe only in Jatukam Ramathep objects," explained Ton, a fourth-year Thammasat University student.
Their fame reached a peak on July 5, 2006 at the funeral of Phantharak. He died aged 108. More than 100,000 believers attended his funeral.
Deep faith could have been behind the feverish demand, but shrewd marketing helped too.
"With Jatukam, we are talking about faith and auspicious objects on the one hand and business and marketing on the other. Look carefully. The four Ps of marketing are all there: product, price, place and promotion," explained Wattanachai Yaninthorn of marketing magazine Positioning.
"As a product, Jatukam was of the highest quality in terms of historic, spiritual and other values. The key messages were very attractive too: helping people get rich and protecting them from evil.
"In price there was a lot of choice, starting at less than Bt100 to over Bt1 million. In place, it was simple to hire tiny stalls in a busy market or a department store from which to sell them.
"In promotion, ads abounded prior to the Jatukam peak, and makers and the Buddhist-amulet media joined forces to spur demand," he explained.
Phaka-on said amulets were now in recession due to sub-standard production and declining faith among buyers.
"This is no surprise, since what we saw this year and last was in no way sustainable. Things moved at very high speed.
"Businesswise, the boom drew many people into the trade, most of whom were new. Then there was a shortage of craftsmen making new series. Now there are sub-standard products. Many buyers have complained about this," she said.
Kasikorn forecast the market would top Bt40 billion this year. Next year it predicts a sharp fall. "But we cannot say for sure by how much," said Phaka-on.
She forecast demand would return to "a more reasonable level, around Bt10 billion a year".
Only real believers will buy, and only competent craftsmen will make them, she said.
Meanwhile, respected monks warn that the amulets are un-Buddhist. Phaka-on said the warnings were unlikely to have a long-term effect on sales because of people's obsession with amulets and auspicious objects.
She is more concerned about consumers being protected from poorly made charms.
Kamol Sukin
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/26/headlines/headlines_30046522.php
Demand for Jatukam Ramathep amulets will taper off next year and sales ease to about Bt10 billion, just a quarter of what has been quoted for 2007.
The Jatukam Ramathep bubble may have burst, but it was a craze that ran hot for more than seven years.
In 2000, the combined market value of the amulets, perceived to be sacred, especially if they are anointed at Wat Phramahathat Worrawiharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, was around Bt5 billion.
According to Kasikorn Research Centre, the market doubled every two to three years, rising to an estimated Bt10 billion in 2003 and Bt20 billion in 2005.
The sales figure being tossed about for this year is a whopping Bt40 billion.
Now that could be history, and another boom is unlikely any time soon, according to those knowledgeable about auspicious objects.
The reversal of fortune can be attributed to overheated demand forcing up prices. Jatukam Ramathep amulets skyrocketed from just Bt50-Bt100 each to more than Bt2,000 for an "average" example.
In addition, the boom led to mass production of sub-standard amulets. There was frenzied speculation for quick profits, too.
Bang Lamphu amulet-trader Thep, who asked that his family name be withheld, said the boom was "really incredible".
"You only needed a tiny shop here to make tens of thousands of baht a day. The place was overcrowded most of the time.
"Now that's a thing of the past. Today less than 10 customers a day visit a big Jatukam shop. Making money is difficult."
And you can pick up an amulet over the Internet for as little as Bt5. That is a market collapse.
Kasikorn researcher Phaka-on Thipayadecha said the popularity had died.
"The bubble has burst. Demand for amulets is returning to normal, with only those who really have faith wanting them," she said.
The Jatukam Ramathep charms were created at Wat Phramahathat to pay respect to Nakhon Si Thammarat's guardian god and former ruler. The province was at the centre of the former Srivichai kingdom. Jatukam Ramathep was the name of one of its kings.
Former police officer Phantharak Ratchadej created the first amulets.
They started to gain in popularity after tales of miracles spread by word of mouth and Buddhist-amulet magazines.
"It's difficult to explain scientifically, but miracles did happen. People with the amulets survived accidents and murder attempts.
"I personally believe only in Jatukam Ramathep objects," explained Ton, a fourth-year Thammasat University student.
Their fame reached a peak on July 5, 2006 at the funeral of Phantharak. He died aged 108. More than 100,000 believers attended his funeral.
Deep faith could have been behind the feverish demand, but shrewd marketing helped too.
"With Jatukam, we are talking about faith and auspicious objects on the one hand and business and marketing on the other. Look carefully. The four Ps of marketing are all there: product, price, place and promotion," explained Wattanachai Yaninthorn of marketing magazine Positioning.
"As a product, Jatukam was of the highest quality in terms of historic, spiritual and other values. The key messages were very attractive too: helping people get rich and protecting them from evil.
"In price there was a lot of choice, starting at less than Bt100 to over Bt1 million. In place, it was simple to hire tiny stalls in a busy market or a department store from which to sell them.
"In promotion, ads abounded prior to the Jatukam peak, and makers and the Buddhist-amulet media joined forces to spur demand," he explained.
Phaka-on said amulets were now in recession due to sub-standard production and declining faith among buyers.
"This is no surprise, since what we saw this year and last was in no way sustainable. Things moved at very high speed.
"Businesswise, the boom drew many people into the trade, most of whom were new. Then there was a shortage of craftsmen making new series. Now there are sub-standard products. Many buyers have complained about this," she said.
Kasikorn forecast the market would top Bt40 billion this year. Next year it predicts a sharp fall. "But we cannot say for sure by how much," said Phaka-on.
She forecast demand would return to "a more reasonable level, around Bt10 billion a year".
Only real believers will buy, and only competent craftsmen will make them, she said.
Meanwhile, respected monks warn that the amulets are un-Buddhist. Phaka-on said the warnings were unlikely to have a long-term effect on sales because of people's obsession with amulets and auspicious objects.
She is more concerned about consumers being protected from poorly made charms.
Kamol Sukin
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/26/headlines/headlines_30046522.php
27 August 2007
Powerful Wealth Amulet
Can this amulet make you rich ? Millions of people believe so.
The Jatukham Rammathep amulet is believed by millions Thais and to some extent Malaysians and Singaporeans, to bring wealth to its possessor.
It is reported in the Thai press that during the unprecedented Jatukarm amulet craze just a few months ago, the temple where the talismans originated, had been fully booked for rituals. Now, only a few amulet makers made requests for the temple to perform rites for new models of the talisman. Previously, the temple received nearly a thousand requests a month but now it seems very quiet.
With the craze now being over and the oversupply of amulets for the last few months, including the sale of the fake ones, has caused prices to drop sharply.
Thailand is known as the largest market for amulets. Each year several classes and types of amulets are produced and commercialised by numerous producers and investors, most of whom have links with famous monks and masters of meditation.
Whenever there is a demand for something, even if it is something considered "spiritual", there will always be willing suppliers. First, demand will exceed supply and the price will be high. Then eventually supply will exceed demand and the price will start to drop.
As with anything in life, the law of supply and demand reigns supreme. Remember the Flower Horn fish craze a few years ago ? Mature fish had an average selling price of RM250 each. After the craze, people were releasing their Flower Horns into public lakes or giving them away, for free.
By KEE HUA CHEE
Aside from ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the other hot topic on the Thai people’s lips is Jatukarm, a highly sought-after talisman said to be driving the Thai economy.
I had never heard of the Jatukarm until I visited Thailand last month. Immediately I was bombarded with newspaper articles and TV stories of the Jatukarm craze. It seems all of Thailand is in its grip.
I’m told even academics in universities are writing theses on it.
So who or what is this Jatukarm?
Jatukarm Ramathep is a god associated with wealth, success and happiness. People who wear a Jatukarm talisman believe the deity will help grant their wishes. According to a friend, Krichsakol Khemamnat from Finansa Securities, Jatukarm was an 8th century king.
“He ruled over Nakorn Si Thammarat. When he died, many who worshipped him had their wishes granted. But he was only a secondary deity and not particularly revered. Even I had not really heard of Jatukarm. Jatukarm was not famous until last year when the craze started.
“We believe this is the era of Jatukarm, as he has entered the charts. As this is his golden period, he is now very, very powerful so we are all trying to grab some of his power!” Khemamnat explained.
He likened the ascendancy of Jatukarm to the Chinese animal cycle.
“We are now in the Year of the Pig, so the Boar has more power than the Dog or Horse. Likewise, this is the Year of Jatukarm! Er, actually we don’t know how long this will last but it usually lasts a few years before interest wanes.”
Most Buddhists see no harm in improving their odds in life with a Jatukarm charm, since the cheapest, “entry-level” clay amulet only costs RM3. All the popular malls sell them. Just keep an eye out for any place with heightened activity. If there is a small crowd huddling around a counter, chances are Jatukarm amulets are being sold!
Having succumbed to the craze, I bought not one, not two, but five talismans.
I paid RM200 for my jade Jatukarm at Chatuchak Market. My two flashiest Jatukarms are embellished with Swarovski crystals and cost RM350 each. They have been mistaken for rapper’s medallions or a piece of hip-hop accessory. A particularly lovely golden-hued version set me back only RM40.
The most expensive is from the original Jatukarm Temple in Nakon Si Thammarat. It came in a plastic box with the name of the temple: Wat Phra Mahatat. I was told not to throw the plastic container away for it was proof the amulet was from the temple.
I paid RM550 for this amulet at the Areewan Jewellery Shop in MBK (Mah Bung Krung) Shopping Centre. When I protested that it was scandalously expensive, owner Areewan said indignantly: “We cannot make a profit from the gods. Your Jatukarm comes from the original Jatukarm temple in Nakorn Si Thammarat, and I only make a little money from the gold and ruby locket. I sell you the pendant for the same price I paid the temple. I not make money from Jatukarm!”
Every Thai I met had a Jatukarm – from taxi drivers to the immigration officer who whipped one out of his shirt pocket when he saw mine. The bellboy at swanky Legua Hotel told me his tips had increased dramatically after he started praying to the deity!
Nakorn Veerapravati, president of the Bangkok Critics Assembly and a wealthy businessman, was kind enough to fill me in on Jatukarm Ramathep’s background.
Nakorn Veerapravati believes that the Jatukarm does bring luck.
The guardian angel(s)
“As far as I know,” Veerapravati began, “Jatukarm is the name of a guardian angel, and Ramathep is the name of another. This pair protected the stupa of Wat Phra Mahatat. I don’t know why Ramathep is not worshipped like Jatukarm, but since the name includes both, I guess we are paying homage to both.”
The story has it that 30 years ago, a policeman (or general or monk or layman, depending on who you ask) commissioned the temple to make 300 Jatukarm amulets, and these he gave away as thanksgiving presents for a wish fulfilled. Made of clay, each cost him just a few ringgit but is now worth a small fortune.
“These 300 original amulets are the most sought after! People go mad searching for them. These originals have the most power, and it is said they grant one’s wish within the hour.
“Last year, the newspapers reported that each one costs 500,000 baht (RM50,000). One was sold two weeks ago for 1.2mil baht (RM120,000). A millionaire bought one from the family who gave the originals away for 2mil baht (RM200,000).”
Last year, when his mother fell ill, Veerapravati rang a friend in Nakorn Si Thammarat to buy a Jatukarm amulet and have it delivered to him in Bangkok.
“My friend then told me something which almost gave me a heart attack: he said why should he bother doing that when I already had an original Jatukarm from the temple! He reminded me that he gave me one of the original 300 Jatukarms 17 years ago as a good luck gift when I left Nakorn Si Thammarat for Bangkok.
“Of course, back then it probably cost him only 80 baht (RM8)!
“I dropped my handphone in shock and joy. I rushed home and dust flew as I searched the cupboards and drawers for it. We Thais never throw amulets away, so I knew it was somewhere although I only wore it during my first year in Bangkok and hadn’t seen it in 17 years.
“Finally, to my relief, I found it in a drawer!”
Like David Copperfield, Veerapravati slowly and tantalisingly pulled out the precious Jatukarm from under his shirt to show me. His Jatukarm looked ordinary enough, being made from earth and clay with the embossed image of Jatukarm.
As with all collectibles, there are specialists in Bangkok who say they can verify the authenticity of such 30-year-old amulets.
“I had mine checked and the specialist said he didn’t even need a loupe, magnifying glass or scientific instrument to know that it was in perfect condition. It was hardly worn and never exposed to the sun.”
Alas, Veerapravati’s mother died anyway, though she regained her health briefly and was coherent enough to enjoy her last few months. She told her son she dreamt an angel told her that it was time for her to go since she was meant to be reborn soon.
At her funeral in Nakorn Si Thammarat, Veerapravati commissioned 1,000 Jatukarm talismans to be given away free. Word spread and there was a veritable stampede as 5,000 people queued up for his gift. The police had to be called in to restore order. He was told never to attempt this again.
According to some, this overnight craze started last year when King Bhumibol Adulyadej emerged from hospital following a successful treatment. On His Majesty’s neck, it was said, was a Jatukarm pendant.
The small pendant was assumed to be that of the Buddha but when a picture of it was magnified, it proved to be a Jatukarm. The Jatukarm juggernaut snowballed after that. Stories of its miraculous powers abound. Tales have been told of car crashes where people who wore the pendants survived whereas those who didn’t, died.
So far, sales of the amulets have topped a staggering 20bil baht (RM2bil) from an estimated 600,000 amulets produced so far. Jatukarm sales are said to have pushed up the Thai economy by nearly 0.5%!
Factories producing Jatukarms normally approach the temple in Nakorn Si Thammarat and pay anything from RM1mil to RM2mil for the rights to use the temple’s name.
Does the Jatukarm work?
Armed with my five Jatukarm, I managed to get an airport limousine for 1,000 baht, instead of the usual 2,000 baht. Upon reaching Suvanabhumi Airport, I discovered the airport tax had been done away with, thus saving me RM50! At KLIA, somebody gave me a ride home, thus saving me RM70.
In my letterbox, I found a cheque for RM980. Then out of the blue, a friend rang to offer me a 6ft tall, wooden Buddha statue I was admiring at his home two months back! He even delivered it to my condo the next day! A few days later, a friend sent over a juicer I was so taken with at her home?
Hmmm, maybe there really is something to this Jatukarm craze.
http://themalaysianlife.blogspot.com/2007/08/powerful-wealth-amulet.html
24 August 2007
Patriarch ends role in amulets
His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch will no longer provide materials from his temple, such as ash from incense or powder from bricks, to make the amulets that have sparked a crime wave in Nakhon Si Thammarat, it was announced yesterday.
Jatukham Rammathep amulets, which are believed to have magical powers and cost up to Bt600,000 apiece, can only be made with the permission of the southern province's Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawiharn.
The Supreme Patriarch has provided materials to produce amulets to all temples and individuals that request them but will now stop doing so, the office of his secretary announced yesterday. It did not say why.
However, a source said the announcement was made after revered monk Luang Ta Bua of Wat Pa Ban Tad blessed the Supreme Patriarch to mark his 18th anniversary as head of the country's Buddhists, at Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday.
Interest in the amulets began in the middle of last year and hit fever pitch this year. Earlier this month a woman was crushed to death when thousands of people rushed into a school in Nakhon Si Thammarat to buy coupons they could exchange for the amulets.
The amulets have become the main target of thieves in Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Colonel Yanaphat Norasing, superintendent of the police in the province's Muang district.
Amulet robberies occur daily, local residents say. Yesterday, 30 amulets worth Bt15,000 were stolen from the residence of Phra Palad Nikom Kamalo, abbot of Wat Nam Song in Muang district.
Recently, a thief broke through the ceiling of an amulet stall in the province and made off with more than Bt200,000 worth of Jatukham Ramathep amulets.
Monks from the province welcomed the Supreme Patriarch's announcement. They said they were concerned the materials he provided were being used to boost the prices of the amulets.
As demand for the amulets sparked surging prices, many Buddhists became concerned that Buddhism was being turned into a commodity. The Supreme Patriarch's announcement was welcomed as it would protect him from being sullied by those seeking to trade on his position for financial gain, said a monk involved in the incantation rites for Jatukham Rammathep amulets.
"Some amulet sellers used photos of the Supreme Patriarch giving them materials [for amulets] to boost sales," he said.
Incantation rites for the amulets can only be performed at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawiharn. Its abbot has said incantations for more than 30 editions of the amulets have been performed at the temple so far this year. Amulet makers from across the country have set up shop at the temple.
Although welcome, the Supreme patriarch's announcement would not lessen demand for Jatukham Rammathep amulets, a monk said.
Amulet makers have been competing to come up with new and strange materials, he said.
On Saturday night, thousands of people gathered at Wat Muang Talord and Wat Ta Chang because they heard rumours that the temples were being used to store the popular Ngern Lai Ma edition of the amulets.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/23/national/national_30032451.php
Jatukham Rammathep amulets, which are believed to have magical powers and cost up to Bt600,000 apiece, can only be made with the permission of the southern province's Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawiharn.
The Supreme Patriarch has provided materials to produce amulets to all temples and individuals that request them but will now stop doing so, the office of his secretary announced yesterday. It did not say why.
However, a source said the announcement was made after revered monk Luang Ta Bua of Wat Pa Ban Tad blessed the Supreme Patriarch to mark his 18th anniversary as head of the country's Buddhists, at Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday.
Interest in the amulets began in the middle of last year and hit fever pitch this year. Earlier this month a woman was crushed to death when thousands of people rushed into a school in Nakhon Si Thammarat to buy coupons they could exchange for the amulets.
The amulets have become the main target of thieves in Nakhon Si Thammarat, said Colonel Yanaphat Norasing, superintendent of the police in the province's Muang district.
Amulet robberies occur daily, local residents say. Yesterday, 30 amulets worth Bt15,000 were stolen from the residence of Phra Palad Nikom Kamalo, abbot of Wat Nam Song in Muang district.
Recently, a thief broke through the ceiling of an amulet stall in the province and made off with more than Bt200,000 worth of Jatukham Ramathep amulets.
Monks from the province welcomed the Supreme Patriarch's announcement. They said they were concerned the materials he provided were being used to boost the prices of the amulets.
As demand for the amulets sparked surging prices, many Buddhists became concerned that Buddhism was being turned into a commodity. The Supreme Patriarch's announcement was welcomed as it would protect him from being sullied by those seeking to trade on his position for financial gain, said a monk involved in the incantation rites for Jatukham Rammathep amulets.
"Some amulet sellers used photos of the Supreme Patriarch giving them materials [for amulets] to boost sales," he said.
Incantation rites for the amulets can only be performed at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawiharn. Its abbot has said incantations for more than 30 editions of the amulets have been performed at the temple so far this year. Amulet makers from across the country have set up shop at the temple.
Although welcome, the Supreme patriarch's announcement would not lessen demand for Jatukham Rammathep amulets, a monk said.
Amulet makers have been competing to come up with new and strange materials, he said.
On Saturday night, thousands of people gathered at Wat Muang Talord and Wat Ta Chang because they heard rumours that the temples were being used to store the popular Ngern Lai Ma edition of the amulets.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/23/national/national_30032451.php
23 August 2007
Amulets to 'help protect' Buddhists in South
The security forces in the troubled South have announced their intention to produce spiritualist trinkets in a bid to protect the Buddhist minority from harm.
Colonel Manas Khongpan, deputy director of the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) in Yala, said yesterday that Jatukham Rammathep talismans would be made for Buddhists in the predominantly Muslim region.
The famous animist amulet is believed to have magical power to protect its holder from violence. Although it has no relation to Buddhism, many Thai Buddhists believe in the talisman's power and are prepared to pay large sums for them.
Isoc in Yala will produce the amulets at a temple in the province by May and then bring them to a blessing at Nakhon Si Thammarat, the original home of the amulet, Manas said.
The Boun Ban Dan amulets, meaning the "power of virtue", will be sold to Buddhists and security officials in the region.
The southern Buddhist population of around 300,000 is often the target of violence carried out by Muslim militants, who are determined to chase them out of the area, Manas said.
"The production of the Jatukham amulets will give moral support to Buddhists and help sustain the religion," the colonel said, as if the amulets were linked with the faith.
Many Thai Buddhists mix animism with their religious worship.
Any profits from amulet sales will be spent containing violence and the money will be managed transparently, he said.
A spate of violence erupted in the deep South at the beginning of 2004 and around 2,000 people have been killed since.
It continued yesterday in Yala's Bannang Sata district as militants sprayed bullets at a passing pickup truck, killing one person and injuring six.
Police said some 10 Buddhists on the truck were attacked while travelling back from a funeral in neighbouring Pattani province. Some of the group briefly returned fire before retreating.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/14/national/national_30029259.php
Colonel Manas Khongpan, deputy director of the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) in Yala, said yesterday that Jatukham Rammathep talismans would be made for Buddhists in the predominantly Muslim region.
The famous animist amulet is believed to have magical power to protect its holder from violence. Although it has no relation to Buddhism, many Thai Buddhists believe in the talisman's power and are prepared to pay large sums for them.
Isoc in Yala will produce the amulets at a temple in the province by May and then bring them to a blessing at Nakhon Si Thammarat, the original home of the amulet, Manas said.
The Boun Ban Dan amulets, meaning the "power of virtue", will be sold to Buddhists and security officials in the region.
The southern Buddhist population of around 300,000 is often the target of violence carried out by Muslim militants, who are determined to chase them out of the area, Manas said.
"The production of the Jatukham amulets will give moral support to Buddhists and help sustain the religion," the colonel said, as if the amulets were linked with the faith.
Many Thai Buddhists mix animism with their religious worship.
Any profits from amulet sales will be spent containing violence and the money will be managed transparently, he said.
A spate of violence erupted in the deep South at the beginning of 2004 and around 2,000 people have been killed since.
It continued yesterday in Yala's Bannang Sata district as militants sprayed bullets at a passing pickup truck, killing one person and injuring six.
Police said some 10 Buddhists on the truck were attacked while travelling back from a funeral in neighbouring Pattani province. Some of the group briefly returned fire before retreating.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/14/national/national_30029259.php
21 August 2007
Now, Jatukham shadow puppets
The massive popularity of Jatukham Rammathep amulets has expanded to another famous product from the South - shadow-play puppets - and those involved are making handsome returns.
Images of many popular Jatukham Rammathep series are carved and varicoloured into cowhides and now much sought after by collectors. A standard size - 60cm by 60cm - Jatukham Rammathep cowhide piece is priced at Bt2,500, or higher rates when resold to retail buyers or tourists.
Makers of shadow-play puppets had previously had a hard time selling their products, as the popularity of the traditional performance itself has fallen among young people. To make them sell, all Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces must undergo local blessing ceremonies like the amulets that are also blessed by monks.
A maker of shadow-play puppets in Phatthalung, Sirat Sareebutr, said Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces made her around Bt70,000 a month - much more than her regular income from selling puppets.
Sirat sells Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces for Bt2,500 each to middlemen, who will resell them for around Bt2,900 or Bt3,500. If the cowhide piece is put in a special decorated frame she can earn Bt7,000 to Bt12,000 for one item.
Somphong Choojit, chairman of shadow-play puppets in Phatthalung, said his group would soon begin making Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces, as a large number of orders had come from buyers.
He said making Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces would double his monthly income of around Bt200,000, which he had earned through carving and decorating the image of Luang Phor Thuad - a late Buddhist monk highly revered among Buddhist southerners - on cowhide pieces.
The extensive sale of Jatukham Rammathep amulets now involves direct-sale techniques employed by housewives, or college students who sell part-time during school breaks. Sellers go around neighbourhoods door-to-door, seeking buyers with catalogues of images of various amulet models.
Many women already involved in direct-selling of cosmetics also include catalogues of Jatukham Rammathep amulets with their list of products. They make about 10 to 15 per cent in profit selling the already popular amulets directly to clients at their homes.
One woman called Katewadee who does direct selling said amulets were only acquired for buyers only after orders were placed, so that saleswoman don't have to carry the cost when going from house-to-house.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/19/national/national_30032134.php
Images of many popular Jatukham Rammathep series are carved and varicoloured into cowhides and now much sought after by collectors. A standard size - 60cm by 60cm - Jatukham Rammathep cowhide piece is priced at Bt2,500, or higher rates when resold to retail buyers or tourists.
Makers of shadow-play puppets had previously had a hard time selling their products, as the popularity of the traditional performance itself has fallen among young people. To make them sell, all Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces must undergo local blessing ceremonies like the amulets that are also blessed by monks.
A maker of shadow-play puppets in Phatthalung, Sirat Sareebutr, said Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces made her around Bt70,000 a month - much more than her regular income from selling puppets.
Sirat sells Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces for Bt2,500 each to middlemen, who will resell them for around Bt2,900 or Bt3,500. If the cowhide piece is put in a special decorated frame she can earn Bt7,000 to Bt12,000 for one item.
Somphong Choojit, chairman of shadow-play puppets in Phatthalung, said his group would soon begin making Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces, as a large number of orders had come from buyers.
He said making Jatukham Rammathep cowhide pieces would double his monthly income of around Bt200,000, which he had earned through carving and decorating the image of Luang Phor Thuad - a late Buddhist monk highly revered among Buddhist southerners - on cowhide pieces.
The extensive sale of Jatukham Rammathep amulets now involves direct-sale techniques employed by housewives, or college students who sell part-time during school breaks. Sellers go around neighbourhoods door-to-door, seeking buyers with catalogues of images of various amulet models.
Many women already involved in direct-selling of cosmetics also include catalogues of Jatukham Rammathep amulets with their list of products. They make about 10 to 15 per cent in profit selling the already popular amulets directly to clients at their homes.
One woman called Katewadee who does direct selling said amulets were only acquired for buyers only after orders were placed, so that saleswoman don't have to carry the cost when going from house-to-house.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/19/national/national_30032134.php
19 August 2007
Royal Thai Air Force takes Jatukham amulets on board
The craziness about Jatukham amulets is literally taking new heights as the RTAF is taking some much-sought-after amulets on routine flights on F-16 fighters in the hope of boosting their supernatural powers and market value.
Jatukham Rammathep is the name of an unusually popular amulet sold by some Buddhist temples in Thailand. The amulet is named for two princes of the Krung Srivijaya kingdom of southern Thailand, and is believed to provide protection and good fortune to the bearer.
Air Chief Marshal Paisal Sitabutr, the Air Force's deputy commander, could not explain the logic behind his reasoning but maintained the F-16's and F-5's supersonic speed would quicken one's good fortune, protection and prosperity. The unprecedented height would make the amulets stand out above the rest, literally and figuratively.
The fact that such a "dignified" institution as the Air Force was behind the making of this series of amulets would boost its reputation and sales, according to Paiasl. To mix business with amulets and the military seems so natural now in Thailand...
On Monday, the Air Force organised incantation rites for its amulets in Prachuab Khiri Khan. Paisal said the Air Force decided to join the Jatukham Rammathep fever because it wanted to collect huge sums of money for renovation of Wat Mahathat in Bangkok and the twin pagodas, Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri, on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai.
The renovation projects costing about Bt100 million are to commemorate the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King in December, he said.
Paisal saw nothing wrong in the Air Force generating money by producing amulets and using the fighter jets in the incantation.
"Nowadays, what else can be done to generate huge money better than Jatukham?" he said. "We have fighters that fly regularly. We just asked the pilots to take the materials [to produce the amulets] with them. We did not hold any special flights for this thing," he said.
Since last year, Jatukham fever has spread throughout the country, grabbing the attention of celebrities, politicians and ordinary people.
The Kasikorn Research Centre estimated that from late last year more than Bt20 billion had been generated by the Jatukham craze. The Revenue Department was considering whether to tax enterprises related to the soaring sales of Jatukham items.
http://www.f-16.net/news_article2408.html
Jatukham Rammathep is the name of an unusually popular amulet sold by some Buddhist temples in Thailand. The amulet is named for two princes of the Krung Srivijaya kingdom of southern Thailand, and is believed to provide protection and good fortune to the bearer.
Air Chief Marshal Paisal Sitabutr, the Air Force's deputy commander, could not explain the logic behind his reasoning but maintained the F-16's and F-5's supersonic speed would quicken one's good fortune, protection and prosperity. The unprecedented height would make the amulets stand out above the rest, literally and figuratively.
The fact that such a "dignified" institution as the Air Force was behind the making of this series of amulets would boost its reputation and sales, according to Paiasl. To mix business with amulets and the military seems so natural now in Thailand...
On Monday, the Air Force organised incantation rites for its amulets in Prachuab Khiri Khan. Paisal said the Air Force decided to join the Jatukham Rammathep fever because it wanted to collect huge sums of money for renovation of Wat Mahathat in Bangkok and the twin pagodas, Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri, on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai.
The renovation projects costing about Bt100 million are to commemorate the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King in December, he said.
Paisal saw nothing wrong in the Air Force generating money by producing amulets and using the fighter jets in the incantation.
"Nowadays, what else can be done to generate huge money better than Jatukham?" he said. "We have fighters that fly regularly. We just asked the pilots to take the materials [to produce the amulets] with them. We did not hold any special flights for this thing," he said.
Since last year, Jatukham fever has spread throughout the country, grabbing the attention of celebrities, politicians and ordinary people.
The Kasikorn Research Centre estimated that from late last year more than Bt20 billion had been generated by the Jatukham craze. The Revenue Department was considering whether to tax enterprises related to the soaring sales of Jatukham items.
http://www.f-16.net/news_article2408.html
17 August 2007
Who is Jatukham Rammathep?
In light of last week's extraordinary scramble for coupons to buy a fervently desired amulet - which saw a woman crushed in a stampede at a temple in the South - many are asking just what is Jatukham Rammathep? And why does it produce such hysteria?
There are many legends about the origins of Jatukham Rammathep, the name used to identify a certain kind of amulet, but it is generally agreed that it goes way back in the mists of time, long before the northern kingdoms emerged.
Perhaps the most credible account is provided by late crime-buster Phantharak Rajjadej, who helped to create the famous amulets, as described in an almanac authored by Seawrite Award winner Jamlong Fangchollajit, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the history of it is set.
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 Thammasoke realm, 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.
There are more than 150 series of Jatukham Rammathep amulets planned for this year alone. Productions must be approved by the Pillar Shrine committee and the amulets are required to undergo Buddhist and Brahman blessing ceremonies held at the Holy Pillar Shrine or Mahathat Woramaha-wiharn temple in the province.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/17/national/national_30032023.php
There are many legends about the origins of Jatukham Rammathep, the name used to identify a certain kind of amulet, but it is generally agreed that it goes way back in the mists of time, long before the northern kingdoms emerged.
Perhaps the most credible account is provided by late crime-buster Phantharak Rajjadej, who helped to create the famous amulets, as described in an almanac authored by Seawrite Award winner Jamlong Fangchollajit, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the history of it is set.
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 Thammasoke realm, 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.
There are more than 150 series of Jatukham Rammathep amulets planned for this year alone. Productions must be approved by the Pillar Shrine committee and the amulets are required to undergo Buddhist and Brahman blessing ceremonies held at the Holy Pillar Shrine or Mahathat Woramaha-wiharn temple in the province.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/17/national/national_30032023.php
14 August 2007
The Death of Jatukham Fever
Written by Stephen Cleary
The following is a brief translation of a headline story from Wednesday's Thai language 'Thai Rath' newspaper.
Dozens of Jatukham amulet vendors and customers made another harsh complaint last week to the ‘Office of the Consumer Protection Board’ this time in regards to the latest brand of Jatukham called ‘Super Profit Rich’, which turned out to not be as nice as promised in the original advertisements. In fact, the Board has received more than 200 complaints this year from disgruntled Jatukhum fans. Jatukham Fever is finally coming to its end after countless competitors have flooded the market with low quality unattractive amulets.
Just yesterday, our reporters went to 3 popular Buddhist amulet locations to investigate for themselves whether there had been a demise in interest for the Jatukham amulet. It was found that there was nothing of the enthusiasm and fervor for the Jatukham amulet as the one which took the country by storm earlier in the year. There were far less Jatukham stalls and customers these days. Much of the demise in popularity is due to the market having been stalked by mostly fake amulets. Amulets which were once asking a price of several hundreds can not even be sold for tens of baht now. One shop we saw had placed up a sign stating ‘Business Closed’ and were selling off their amulets for just 5-20 baht. Still, no passer-bys were interested!
One amulet dealer admitted that just too many Jatukham amulets and different brand names had been produced. He went on to say that some vendors had ordered hundreds of thousands of baht’s worth of amulets during the Jatukham fever, but now – they couldn’t knock them off anymore. He blamed the demise on too many brands, unattractive brands and the rampant counterfeit production of popular ones. He said that customers had felt cheated by producers who had promised ‘lovely’ amulets but after receiving theirs, complained that they were just not up to standard.
It certainly looks like the billion baht Jatukham amulet industry will soon be coming to the end of its short life.
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php?blog=8&cat=167
The following is a brief translation of a headline story from Wednesday's Thai language 'Thai Rath' newspaper.
Dozens of Jatukham amulet vendors and customers made another harsh complaint last week to the ‘Office of the Consumer Protection Board’ this time in regards to the latest brand of Jatukham called ‘Super Profit Rich’, which turned out to not be as nice as promised in the original advertisements. In fact, the Board has received more than 200 complaints this year from disgruntled Jatukhum fans. Jatukham Fever is finally coming to its end after countless competitors have flooded the market with low quality unattractive amulets.
Just yesterday, our reporters went to 3 popular Buddhist amulet locations to investigate for themselves whether there had been a demise in interest for the Jatukham amulet. It was found that there was nothing of the enthusiasm and fervor for the Jatukham amulet as the one which took the country by storm earlier in the year. There were far less Jatukham stalls and customers these days. Much of the demise in popularity is due to the market having been stalked by mostly fake amulets. Amulets which were once asking a price of several hundreds can not even be sold for tens of baht now. One shop we saw had placed up a sign stating ‘Business Closed’ and were selling off their amulets for just 5-20 baht. Still, no passer-bys were interested!
One amulet dealer admitted that just too many Jatukham amulets and different brand names had been produced. He went on to say that some vendors had ordered hundreds of thousands of baht’s worth of amulets during the Jatukham fever, but now – they couldn’t knock them off anymore. He blamed the demise on too many brands, unattractive brands and the rampant counterfeit production of popular ones. He said that customers had felt cheated by producers who had promised ‘lovely’ amulets but after receiving theirs, complained that they were just not up to standard.
It certainly looks like the billion baht Jatukham amulet industry will soon be coming to the end of its short life.
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php?blog=8&cat=167
13 August 2007
More 'Jatukham' Miracles!
Written by Stephen Cleary
The Thai newspapers have been full lately of supposed Jatukham amulet miracles. Here below is a brief translation of today's sensational headline story. Courtesy of the Thai Rath newspaper
On the second day of the latest Jatukham ceremony at a temple in Chumphon province the place was heaving with Jatukham followers. Devotees included famous monks and movie stars. Among all these folk were well-known actress ‘Yart Yart-thip’ the ex-girlfriend of Mr Thaksin’s son, Phanthongthae. Her mother also came.
At 2:19pm, just when Miss Yart-thip was taking part (above pic right), an unbelievable thing happened. The sky which had been bright all day suddenly turned dark and through the clouds a holy image of Rahu appeared! Everyone was amazed and most people present believed the miracle was the work of Jatukham.
At the same time, the crowds were so excited by the Jatukham ceremony that there was a huge frenzy to purchase a Jatukham amulet priced 200 - 39,000 baht.
Miss Yart-thip said that she had never before come to Chumphorn province but came this time because of her belief in the super powers of Jatukham.
Besides just the ‘Jatukham Cloud/Yart-thip’ miracle another one also happened the day before. On the first day of the ceremony, the organizers invited lots of important government officials and movie stars including Miss Jui – Woratya (above pic top left). Then, just when Jui was playing with the holy water a Grade 12 student took a photograph with his digital camera. After, when the student inspected the photo he was flabbergasted to see a sign of Jatukham appearing on her head, another miracle! Miss Jui utterly shocked, said that she had only read of such miracles before in the local newspapers and never believed that such a holy thing would happen to her.
The promoters, on seeing the photograph, immediately asked for a copy.
(From yesterday's Thai Rath, another Jatukham cloud miracle!)
On the same day, our reporters went to Kanchanaburi province to meet up with Mr Decha - a very big politician for many decades. Their intent was to ask him about a supposed Jatukham miracle which happened at the funeral of a 72 year-old man he had been present at. The story goes that when a relative of the deceased took a photo of the dead body a sign of Jatukham amazingly appeared on the body’s jacket. Mr Decha told the reporters that the story was absolutely true and called for the photo-taking relative to bring a copy. He also said that Jatukham was really holy and everyone who had one was to ‘think good and do good’.
Mr Chin, the younger brother of the deceased, told our reporters that his elder brother, a devout Buddhist, had always because of his deep faith, blessed his Jatukham amulet. In his will too, he had divided up all his amulets to family and friends.
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php?blog=8&cat=167
The Thai newspapers have been full lately of supposed Jatukham amulet miracles. Here below is a brief translation of today's sensational headline story. Courtesy of the Thai Rath newspaper
On the second day of the latest Jatukham ceremony at a temple in Chumphon province the place was heaving with Jatukham followers. Devotees included famous monks and movie stars. Among all these folk were well-known actress ‘Yart Yart-thip’ the ex-girlfriend of Mr Thaksin’s son, Phanthongthae. Her mother also came.
At 2:19pm, just when Miss Yart-thip was taking part (above pic right), an unbelievable thing happened. The sky which had been bright all day suddenly turned dark and through the clouds a holy image of Rahu appeared! Everyone was amazed and most people present believed the miracle was the work of Jatukham.
At the same time, the crowds were so excited by the Jatukham ceremony that there was a huge frenzy to purchase a Jatukham amulet priced 200 - 39,000 baht.
Miss Yart-thip said that she had never before come to Chumphorn province but came this time because of her belief in the super powers of Jatukham.
Besides just the ‘Jatukham Cloud/Yart-thip’ miracle another one also happened the day before. On the first day of the ceremony, the organizers invited lots of important government officials and movie stars including Miss Jui – Woratya (above pic top left). Then, just when Jui was playing with the holy water a Grade 12 student took a photograph with his digital camera. After, when the student inspected the photo he was flabbergasted to see a sign of Jatukham appearing on her head, another miracle! Miss Jui utterly shocked, said that she had only read of such miracles before in the local newspapers and never believed that such a holy thing would happen to her.
The promoters, on seeing the photograph, immediately asked for a copy.
(From yesterday's Thai Rath, another Jatukham cloud miracle!)
On the same day, our reporters went to Kanchanaburi province to meet up with Mr Decha - a very big politician for many decades. Their intent was to ask him about a supposed Jatukham miracle which happened at the funeral of a 72 year-old man he had been present at. The story goes that when a relative of the deceased took a photo of the dead body a sign of Jatukham amazingly appeared on the body’s jacket. Mr Decha told the reporters that the story was absolutely true and called for the photo-taking relative to bring a copy. He also said that Jatukham was really holy and everyone who had one was to ‘think good and do good’.
Mr Chin, the younger brother of the deceased, told our reporters that his elder brother, a devout Buddhist, had always because of his deep faith, blessed his Jatukham amulet. In his will too, he had divided up all his amulets to family and friends.
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php?blog=8&cat=167
09 August 2007
Thailand caught in an amulet craze
By Todd Crowell
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Thailand - This city lies at roughly the same latitude as as the internationally renowned resort destination of Phuket, except that it is on the Gulf of Thailand side of the Malay Peninsula, while Phuket is an island in the Andaman Sea.
Nakhon Si Thammarat is an ancient city, tracing its present incarnation 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, Nakhon Si Thammarat has become a tourist destination, possibly the biggest 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 its modest accommodations.
Very few of the visitors are foreign tourists - no sun-seeking Europeans, no backpackers, no beachcombers. During the weekend I spent there, I encountered only one other farang (ethnic-European foreigner), a Dane who was attending his brother-in-law's wedding, and he seemed happy enough to get back to Chiang Mai.
The Thai visitors are pilgrims, really. 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 Authority of Thailand, Southern Region. No, they come for just one reason: Jatukam!
All of Thailand is in the grip of Jatukam fever and the supposed magical powers of the talisman, but nowhere else is it so all-consuming as in this city, where it all began. It seems 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. Billboards 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 broadcast information on new medals.
Along Ratchadamoen Road, the city's main street, whole shops are given over to display cases stocked with the medallions in their little plastic cases, generally priced from 2,000-5,000 baht (US$62-$154). 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. (Nationally the amulets trade is estimated at 40 billion baht.)
Jatukam fever is bringing in so much money that the Thai Revenue Department is considering whether to tax the amulets, 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?
The amulet's full name actually refers to 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 13th-century Srivijay Kingdom of which Nakhon 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 Wat Pra Mahathat, which is said to be the most important and historic Buddhist wat (temple complex) in southern Thailand.
The first Jatukam amulets were stuck and sold in 1987 (they now fetch prices in excess of a million baht, or nearly $30,000). 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 last September at age 103. He was said to have magical powers and was instrumental in building the holy site called the City Pillar, now a center of the amulet 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, I found my way to the City Pillar to observe the consecration of a new Jatukam amulet. The pillar is a golden stele, with the four faces of Buddha at the top enclosed in a white alabaster structure.
In the late morning, the courtyard was already crowded 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 fireworks.
At 1:30pm, 10 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 in 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 gape and take pictures as if it were some kind of exotic and fabulously expensive rare jewel. Another little Buddha was born.
Hope amid uncertainty
There are plenty of theories to explain the enormous popularity of the Jatukam phenomenon 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 religion and calling for the enormous profits that can be 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 monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and thus put their faith in objects they think can bring them good fortune, or at least keep away the bad.
One should not discount their sheer collectibility. New amulets are issued almost every day. Glossy, four-color catalogues display the latest models complete with the numbers of each limited 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."
Todd Crowell is a Thailand-based correspondent for Asia Times Online.
www.atimes.com
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Thailand - This city lies at roughly the same latitude as as the internationally renowned resort destination of Phuket, except that it is on the Gulf of Thailand side of the Malay Peninsula, while Phuket is an island in the Andaman Sea.
Nakhon Si Thammarat is an ancient city, tracing its present incarnation 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, Nakhon Si Thammarat has become a tourist destination, possibly the biggest 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 its modest accommodations.
Very few of the visitors are foreign tourists - no sun-seeking Europeans, no backpackers, no beachcombers. During the weekend I spent there, I encountered only one other farang (ethnic-European foreigner), a Dane who was attending his brother-in-law's wedding, and he seemed happy enough to get back to Chiang Mai.
The Thai visitors are pilgrims, really. 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 Authority of Thailand, Southern Region. No, they come for just one reason: Jatukam!
All of Thailand is in the grip of Jatukam fever and the supposed magical powers of the talisman, but nowhere else is it so all-consuming as in this city, where it all began. It seems 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. Billboards 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 broadcast information on new medals.
Along Ratchadamoen Road, the city's main street, whole shops are given over to display cases stocked with the medallions in their little plastic cases, generally priced from 2,000-5,000 baht (US$62-$154). 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. (Nationally the amulets trade is estimated at 40 billion baht.)
Jatukam fever is bringing in so much money that the Thai Revenue Department is considering whether to tax the amulets, 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?
The amulet's full name actually refers to 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 13th-century Srivijay Kingdom of which Nakhon 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 Wat Pra Mahathat, which is said to be the most important and historic Buddhist wat (temple complex) in southern Thailand.
The first Jatukam amulets were stuck and sold in 1987 (they now fetch prices in excess of a million baht, or nearly $30,000). 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 last September at age 103. He was said to have magical powers and was instrumental in building the holy site called the City Pillar, now a center of the amulet 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, I found my way to the City Pillar to observe the consecration of a new Jatukam amulet. The pillar is a golden stele, with the four faces of Buddha at the top enclosed in a white alabaster structure.
In the late morning, the courtyard was already crowded 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 fireworks.
At 1:30pm, 10 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 in 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 gape and take pictures as if it were some kind of exotic and fabulously expensive rare jewel. Another little Buddha was born.
Hope amid uncertainty
There are plenty of theories to explain the enormous popularity of the Jatukam phenomenon 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 religion and calling for the enormous profits that can be 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 monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and thus put their faith in objects they think can bring them good fortune, or at least keep away the bad.
One should not discount their sheer collectibility. New amulets are issued almost every day. Glossy, four-color catalogues display the latest models complete with the numbers of each limited 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."
Todd Crowell is a Thailand-based correspondent for Asia Times Online.
www.atimes.com
07 August 2007
Rules fail to cool Jatukam fever
Marketing gurus said earlier this year that those involved with the making of Jatukam Ramathep should be honoured for their excellent job.
The market value of this talisman has skyrocketed despite the absence of any evidence that supports the existence of the Hindu god.
Creativity thrives as the market gets saturated. A research study found out that the talisman started to experience a drop in market value in June when it was estimated that nearly 1,000 editions had been produced.
TITV last weekend aired some scenes at temples where new editions of Jatukam were being produced. Each edition needs a new marketing scheme to make sure that the public knows of its supernatural power and will scramble for one of the amulets.
The more they know of the power, the higher the success of the new edition. At one temple, the abbot sliced a blade on the back of a half-naked man, as if to show he could be saved from harm via the power of Jatukam.
More interesting was an interview with an official from the Religious Affairs Department. Asked whether the department would do anything with the temples or abbots involved in such horrible marketing schemes, the official was reluctant to make an outright statement. He simply said the department would look into monks' discipline to see if they violated any rules.
In conclusion, it would take time to see what they can do with monks involved in crazy marketing campaigns.
Bolder was the Consumer Protection Board. Daily News reported on Monday that the board had received more than 100 complaints about Jatukam in the past few months. Initially, the board set out to protect consumers with a regulation that bans the words "luck", "rich" and "invulnerable" in advertisements, as these claims could not be proven. Without those words, the talisman may not attract buyers.
Failing to follow the rules, the makers are liable to fines of Bt30,000 or six-months' imprisonment, or both. Meanwhile, media that run such ads would be subject to half the penalty.
On the same day, when the Buddhist Lent started, many newspapers ran Jatukam ads. Two editions are "Ruay Jing" (Really Rich) and "Mee Tae Ruay" (Richness Only). Needless to say, they violate the consumer board's rule.
The fine may be too low or the makers may not yet be informed of the fine. Whatever, if the rule is really enforced, the board would only become richer and richer.
achara_d@nationgroup.com
The Nation
The market value of this talisman has skyrocketed despite the absence of any evidence that supports the existence of the Hindu god.
Creativity thrives as the market gets saturated. A research study found out that the talisman started to experience a drop in market value in June when it was estimated that nearly 1,000 editions had been produced.
TITV last weekend aired some scenes at temples where new editions of Jatukam were being produced. Each edition needs a new marketing scheme to make sure that the public knows of its supernatural power and will scramble for one of the amulets.
The more they know of the power, the higher the success of the new edition. At one temple, the abbot sliced a blade on the back of a half-naked man, as if to show he could be saved from harm via the power of Jatukam.
More interesting was an interview with an official from the Religious Affairs Department. Asked whether the department would do anything with the temples or abbots involved in such horrible marketing schemes, the official was reluctant to make an outright statement. He simply said the department would look into monks' discipline to see if they violated any rules.
In conclusion, it would take time to see what they can do with monks involved in crazy marketing campaigns.
Bolder was the Consumer Protection Board. Daily News reported on Monday that the board had received more than 100 complaints about Jatukam in the past few months. Initially, the board set out to protect consumers with a regulation that bans the words "luck", "rich" and "invulnerable" in advertisements, as these claims could not be proven. Without those words, the talisman may not attract buyers.
Failing to follow the rules, the makers are liable to fines of Bt30,000 or six-months' imprisonment, or both. Meanwhile, media that run such ads would be subject to half the penalty.
On the same day, when the Buddhist Lent started, many newspapers ran Jatukam ads. Two editions are "Ruay Jing" (Really Rich) and "Mee Tae Ruay" (Richness Only). Needless to say, they violate the consumer board's rule.
The fine may be too low or the makers may not yet be informed of the fine. Whatever, if the rule is really enforced, the board would only become richer and richer.
achara_d@nationgroup.com
The Nation
06 August 2007
Jatukam: sense and sensibility
Marketing gurus said earlier this year that those involved with the making of Jatukam Ramathep should be honoured for their excellent job. The market value of this talisman has skyrocketed despite the absence of any evidence that supports the existence of the Hindu god.
But a research study recently showed that the talisman started to experience a drop in market value in June when it was estimated that nearly 1,000 editions had been produced.
Indeed, I don't quite believe it. Despite the nearly 1,000 editions, I think there are not enough Jatukham for everyone. One of my friends are still happy to pay over Bt30,000 for her favourite edition.
But convincing me of the saturated market was the increasing creativity required in marketing the new editions.
TITV last weekend aired some scenes at temples where new editions of Jatukham were being produced. Each edition needs a new marketing scheme to make sure that the public knows of its supernatural power and will scramble for one of the talismans. The more they know of the power, the higher the success of the new edition. At one temple, the abbot sliced a blade on the back of a halfnaked man, as if to show that he could be saved from harm through the power of Jatukam.
I don't believe that slicing other men, no matter if the men are willing or not, is among the 227 rules that monks are bound to honour.
More interesting was an interview with an official from the Religious Affairs Department. Asked whether the department would do anything with the temples or abbots involved in such horrible marketing schemes, the official was reluctant to make an outright statement. He simply said that the department will look into monks’ discipline to see if they violated any rules. In conclusion, it would take time to see what they can do with monks involved in crazy marketing campaigns.
Bolder was the Consumer Protection Board. Daily News reported on Monday that the board has received over 100 complaints about Jatukam in the past few months. Initially, the board set out to protect consumers with a regulation that bans words “luck”, “rich” and “invulnerable” in advertisements as these words could not be proven. Without those words, the talisman may not attract buyers.
Failing to follow the rules, the makers are liable to fines of Bt30,000 or sixmonths imprisonment or both. Meanwhile, media that runs such advertisements would be subject to half of the penalties.
On the same day, when the Buddhist Lent started, many newspapers ran Jatukam advertisements. Two editions are named “Ruay Jing” (Really Rich) and “Mee Tae Ruay” (Richness Only). Needless to say, they violate the Consumer Protection Board’s rule.
What can be said? The fine may be too low or the makers may not yet be informed of the fine. Whatever, if the rule is really enforced, the board would only become richer and richer.
Not until people realise their own power in changing their destiny will this stop. New editions would certainly come onto the market with bolder and bolder advertising tags. Though they are selling for less money, it seems the products are still wanted, more than ever amid the obscure situation inside our Kingdom.
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/lin
But a research study recently showed that the talisman started to experience a drop in market value in June when it was estimated that nearly 1,000 editions had been produced.
Indeed, I don't quite believe it. Despite the nearly 1,000 editions, I think there are not enough Jatukham for everyone. One of my friends are still happy to pay over Bt30,000 for her favourite edition.
But convincing me of the saturated market was the increasing creativity required in marketing the new editions.
TITV last weekend aired some scenes at temples where new editions of Jatukham were being produced. Each edition needs a new marketing scheme to make sure that the public knows of its supernatural power and will scramble for one of the talismans. The more they know of the power, the higher the success of the new edition. At one temple, the abbot sliced a blade on the back of a halfnaked man, as if to show that he could be saved from harm through the power of Jatukam.
I don't believe that slicing other men, no matter if the men are willing or not, is among the 227 rules that monks are bound to honour.
More interesting was an interview with an official from the Religious Affairs Department. Asked whether the department would do anything with the temples or abbots involved in such horrible marketing schemes, the official was reluctant to make an outright statement. He simply said that the department will look into monks’ discipline to see if they violated any rules. In conclusion, it would take time to see what they can do with monks involved in crazy marketing campaigns.
Bolder was the Consumer Protection Board. Daily News reported on Monday that the board has received over 100 complaints about Jatukam in the past few months. Initially, the board set out to protect consumers with a regulation that bans words “luck”, “rich” and “invulnerable” in advertisements as these words could not be proven. Without those words, the talisman may not attract buyers.
Failing to follow the rules, the makers are liable to fines of Bt30,000 or sixmonths imprisonment or both. Meanwhile, media that runs such advertisements would be subject to half of the penalties.
On the same day, when the Buddhist Lent started, many newspapers ran Jatukam advertisements. Two editions are named “Ruay Jing” (Really Rich) and “Mee Tae Ruay” (Richness Only). Needless to say, they violate the Consumer Protection Board’s rule.
What can be said? The fine may be too low or the makers may not yet be informed of the fine. Whatever, if the rule is really enforced, the board would only become richer and richer.
Not until people realise their own power in changing their destiny will this stop. New editions would certainly come onto the market with bolder and bolder advertising tags. Though they are selling for less money, it seems the products are still wanted, more than ever amid the obscure situation inside our Kingdom.
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/lin
01 August 2007
MONK'S COOKIES MAKE THEIR MARK
Jatukham snack manages to rock amulet craze
Story by PIYAPORN WONGRUANG
Bakery staff press "Jatukham" cookies that mock the public craze for Jatukarm Ramathep talismans.
Revered monk Phra Payom Kalayano, who introduced the "Jatukham" cookies to mock the craze for the Jatukarm Ramathep talismans, has shrugged off the uproar by producers of the highly prized amulets.
The monk said he viewed the angry response positively. It showed the cookies were a success. Otherwise the amulet producers would not be up in arms.
"I learned that there were positive and negative responses to the cookies," said Phra Payom.
"My cookies are intended to bring back people's consciousness. They can have faith in sacred items, but they should also be sensible in leading their lives."
For months, the monk had watched the craze for the talismans with growing concern. He said the talisman worshippers were drifting away from the Lord Buddha's teachings, which accentuate self-reliance and good deeds.
People were coming to believe the talisman had supernatural powers to bring wealth.
"This will lead people to nothing but losing their rationality. It is unhealthy for the religion if we allow this trend to go on like this," the monk said.
He had some help from his followers in launching the cookies, which he called Jatukham, playing on the talisman's name but altering the spelling.
Somboon Ijayavorakul, chief executive officer of the graphic design company Watta, helped design the four-bite biscuits.
Mr Somboon said he appreciated the monk for his attempts to educate Buddhists, particularly through his columns in a newspaper.
He got the idea from a comic strip that featured a character munching a talisman he had mistakenly thought was a cookie.
The thought-provoking cookies resemble the popular talismans, and are the same size. One side bears the word "Jatukham" with a gold leaf, and the other the words Ou Ar Ka Sa, as well as Phra Payom's signature.
The four words are taken from the Lord Buddha's teachings, reminding Buddhists to maintain self reliance, from which everybody can be rich.
The words mean diligence, saving money, association with good and moral people, and being simple and modest.
"If it was not for Phra Payom, this would never happen.
"He is the kind of person who is capable of understanding and embracing new and innovative ideas," said Mr Somboon.
The monk's assistants are also capping the production to prevent any misunderstanding that the cookies are being sold for profit.
Phra Payom does not intend to put the biscuits on supermarket shelves. They come packed in sets, four to an aluminium can. People can buy them by contacting Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district. They get a free dharma lecture CD with each purchase.
However, the queue is so long that today's orders will be delivered early next month.
The temple's clerk said orders have gradually eased, not like in the first few weeks. This may reflect the declining popularity of the talisman itself, she said.
"If people were more conscious about the craze for Jatukarm, the cookies' popularity would decline as well," she said.
However, Sataporn Assatarakul, a 47-year-old customer, said she did not believe the biscuit buyers and talisman worshippers were of the same group.
Many purchase the cookies for their friends in the hope of spreading Buddhist teachings.
"We are trying to help. If our friends can think a little more about what is good for their lives, that is good.
"But if not, we just think of the purchase as a chance to make merit, while our friends have nice cookies to eat," said Ms Sataporn.
http://www.readbangkokpost.com
Distinguishing Jatukams
The Wat Wang Tawan Tok area of NST, long an area for buying and selling amulets, has turned into a paradise for those who want to buy sought-after models of Jatukam priced from 70 to 100 baht each. Priced this low, it is doubtful they have passed through the sacred ritual, which, along with the materials used to produce them, distinguishes the "real from the fake" images. Reportedly, only a skilled eye can tell the difference.
When Perspective visited Wat Wang Tawan Tok last month there was a huge crowd of people, even though it wasn't on the weekend. Most locals know about the place where people can buy Jatukam that have not passed through the sacred ritual. Many people were buying the Jatukam for souvenirs or gifts, others purchased large amounts but declined to say why.
Vendors were also close-mouthed about how and where they obtained the Jatukam.
If only people paid attention to the materials which are purportedly incorporated into certain models of Jatukam, they would likely question how they could be obtained.
Brochures and leaflets promoting various Jatukam models list the components. For example, one model claims to use bits of earth surrounding the burial site of the placental material and umbilical cord of Luang Por Tuod (Wat Chang Hai, Pattani), who is said to have passed away 425 years ago. When Perspective tried to contact persons in charge of the production of this amulet at Wat Mahayong in NST to ask about the claim, a monk deferred the question to some people at a downtown centre. When these people were tracked down, they also failed to provide any information on how they were able to find the place where the placenta was buried.
On reflection, it would seem that many of the materials might be quite hard to secure, such as soils from places mentioned in the chronicle of the Lord Buddha's journeys in India and Nepal. Some Jatukam models are even claimed to contain leaves of Sara trees in Kushinagar, the place where the Lord Buddha attained paranirvana.
The agencies responsible for obtaining the materials claim they are able to get them by sending people to India and Nepal, but they do not want to be named in newspapers.
The sacred rituals are usually performed at various temples. Some models advertise that the ritual is performed on multiple occasions - three, five, seven, up to nine times - on particular Jatukam. Most models perform the ritual, at least once, at Pra Mahathat Voramahaviharn temple, the main temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is fully booked until the end of this year.
The rituals have certainly interrupted the normal schedule of those who wish to study and practise Dharma. One nun and her followers had to move their classes from the main Vihara of the temple to a kitchen. "There are a lot of noises since the temple became the venue of sacred rituals for Jatukam," said the nun.
The rituals for some models are held on mountaintops which are considered sacred, or the "umbilical cord of the sea", reportedly at the mouth of the Nakhon Si Thammarat sea located in Pak Phanang district.
There are a number of monks, shamans and Brahmans whose presence is highly prized at these rituals. Some producers say they have to put a large amount of money into an envelope for each of these holy men.
Bangkok Post
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
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