| Tha Prachan Amulet Market: Symbols of Support | |||
| UPDATE : 4 June 2010 | |||
Located alongside the east bank of the Chao Phraya River on Bangkok's historic Rattanakosin Island, Tha Prachan ('Moon Pier') is just a short walk from Tha Chang Pier, which can easily be reached by means of a Chao Phraya Express Boat. The area around the pier plays host to Bangkok's most extensive Buddhist amulet market, which is also right next to Thammasat University's Tha Prachan campus. Collectors flock to the market since it offers such a huge collection of amulets for sale within a single location.
The market, which opens early in the morning and closes around dusk, never fails to impress experts and casual observers alike since a visit can reveal thousands upon thousands of various different forms of talisman, which are said to possess various mystical benefits. It actually takes several years to become an expert on amulets. In fact, it requires a good deal of experience just to be able to differentiate between an authentic amulet and a fake. “To get the right amulet from the right source is tough business, even for many experts. And it takes years of study by means of close examination through a watchmaker's eyepiece to develop such expertise,” one vendor based opposite the entrance to the university told me. Amulets of various shapes and sizes for sale at the market come from numerous geographical locations, including the northeastern provinces, as well as neighboring countries, such as the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Myanmar. 'Temporary' Ownership Loong Charoen ('Uncle Charoen'), a middle aged amulet expert, was closely studying a tiny, rectangular-shaped amulet with a brownish hue through his own eyepiece during my recent visit to the market.
Charoen pointed out that demonstrating a precise understanding of an amulet's history is a vital aspect when selling amulets to members of the public. “It's possible to find an amulet to suit all budget levels, from just a few baht up to several million [US$61,000-92,000],” he said. “The more expensive examples are likely to have either been blessed by a famous novice monk, or possess an interesting history.” Charoen said amulets can come in various different forms, including ones that feature a portrait of a renowned monk. He added that palad khik (amulets in the form of a phallus), are another popular option. Sometimes these amulets also feature an animal, such as a monkey or crocodile. Special Protection Thais, but particularly Thai men, have been wearing Buddhist amulets for centuries. The practice comes from a superstitious belief that an amulet can protect the wearer from evil spirits and bad luck. It's also thought that the various powers linked with an amulet can easily outlive the current owner. As well as attracting the attention of numerous laypersons, I noticed that several monks were paying a keen interest in the amulet vendors' wares in a bid to authenticate their age and origin. As a casual visitor, the market certainly appears to provide a win-win situation for all parties concerned. So long as people believe in the extraordinary spiritual potential apparently provided by Buddhist amulets, the market at Tha Prachan looks likely to retain its leadership position. Transport Connections Boat: Take a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier. It is possible to walk from Tha Chang Pier to Tha Prachan. | |||
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tha Prachan Amulet Market: Symbols of Support
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