Through “Khwai Tanu” [ควายธนู] or the guardian buffalo, we can observe the superstitious beliefs that stemmed from the agricultural society of Thailand

Khwai Tanu (guardian buffalo)

Through “Khwai Tanu” [ควายธนู] or the guardian buffalo, we can observe the superstitious beliefs that stemmed from the agricultural society of Thailand and the practice of rice farming and buffalo raising. This guardian buffalo is a puppet that can be made from a variety of materials, such as bamboo, clay, beeswax, or cursed metals like coffin nails from seven cemeteries, steel from pagoda tops, etc.

The buffalo puppet has to be consecrated according to the ritual. Owners of the Khwai Tanu amulets must feed them well with grass and water and let them roam free from time to time. The belief in the guardian buffalo exists in every region of Thailand. Some believe that it can be used to guard houses or rice fields, protect the owners against ghosts and thieves, and can even be ordered to kill enemies. In some places, however, it is seen as just another amulet to carry around.

Information by:

https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/th/culture_heritage/9-quintessential-thai-amulets/

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Phra Sum Kor (Thai : พระซุ้มกอ)

Phra Sum Kor (Thai : พระซุ้มกอ) is from Kamphaeng Phet Province. When Somdej Toh came to visit relatives in 1849, he found Phra Sum Kor amulets at Wat Phraboromthat Nakhonchum (Thai : วัดพระบรมธาตุนครชุม) together with tablets explaining amulet making process. He later used the recipe to make his own Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang. This amulet is found throughout Thung Sethi (Thai : ทุ่งเศรษฐี) in Kamphangphet. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Buddha_amulet Photo by http://thaniyo.brinkster.net/amulet04.html

Yantra : A yantra [ยันต์] can be grids, lines, numbers, characters or pictures that are written, tattooed, or engraved on a piece of fabric, skin, wood, metal, etc.

Yantra Have you ever seen the intricate and mysterious tattoos on Angelina Jolie’s back? The actress traveled all the way to Thailand to get those holy graphics inked on her. A yantra [ยันต์] can be grids, lines, numbers, characters or pictures that are written, tattooed, or engraved on a piece of fabric, skin, wood, metal, etc. If the pattern is engraved on a curled metal sheet, we call it “takrut” [ตะกรุด], and if it is inked into the skin, we call it “yantra tattooing” or “sak yant” [สักยันต์]. The sacred yantras according to Thai beliefs influenced by Hinduism can be classified into 4 groups: 1) Square yantra referring to the four elements and the four continents, 2) Triangular yantra representing the Triple Gem in Buddhism, or the Three Gods or the Trimurti, 3) Circle yantra referring to Brahma, and 4) Image yantra, which can take various designs and meanings. The text in the yantra is composed with ancient Khmer characters, which were widely used by the ancient people...

Benja Phakhi (Thai : พระเบญจภาคี)

The most famous of Thai amulets are the set of 5 rarest and highly sought after amulets Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang (Thai: พระสมเด็จวัดระฆัง), Phra Rod(Thai: พระรอด), Phra Nang Phaya (Thai: พระนางพญา), Phra Phong Suphan (Thai: พระผงสุพรรณ) and Phra Sum Kor (Thai: พระซุ้มกอ), together called Benja Phakhi (Thai: เบญจภาคี). They are valued at over 10 million Baht. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Buddha_amulet

Jatukham Rammathep (Thai : จตุคามรามเทพ)

Jatukham Rammathep (Thai : จตุคามรามเทพ) is the name of two princes from Srivijaya Kingdom. Nakhon Si Thammarat Province people consider Jatukham and Rammthep as guardian angels to the city. The Jatukham Rammathep amulet was first created by police Khun Phantharak Rajjadej (Thai : ขุนพันธรักษ์ราชเดช) in 1987 as part of Nakhon Si Thammarat's Lak Mueang establishment. The amulet is round-shaped, typically with the image of Hindu deities and around 5 cm in diameter. It became popular early 2000s, especially during the time of Khun Phantharak Rajjadej's funeral on 5 July 2006 till mid-2007. The amulet was believed to protect owner from danger and make owner rich. As many as 150 series of Jatukham Rammathep amulet production was planned for the year 2007 and the value of market for the amulet reach 20 billion Baht that year. Late 2007 it appeared that the Jatukham Rammathep amulet bubble had burst, its popularity quickly faded with plenty of amulets left that could be obtained at v...

Phra Nang Phaya (Thai : พระนางพญา)

Phra Nang Phaya (Thai : พระนางพญา) amulet from Wat Nang Phaya temple in Phitsanulok Province is believed to be commissioned by Queen Wisutkasat in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The amulet was discovered when workers dug up an area in the temple to prepare the stage for King Chulalongkorn's visit for the casting of a replica of famous Buddha image Phra Phuttha Chinnarat (Thai : พระพุทธชินราช) there. This amulet was also discovered in nearby temples such as Wat Ratchaburana (Thai : วัดราชบูรณะ). From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Buddha_amulet Photo by http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_c3125f550101lqfe.html

Another amulet that depicts a bond between the Thai people and nature is the Sai Dak Sap [ไซดักทรัพย์]

Sai Dak Sap (bamboo fish trap of fortune) Another amulet that depicts a bond between the Thai people and nature is the Sai Dak Sap [ไซดักทรัพย์]. A sai is a traditional Thai fish trap, which has later become a lucky charm called “Sai Dak Sap” believed to help trap money, property and bring good fortune to the worshipers. Many shops and stores like to hang the sais at the facades of their establishments for prosperity and to improve their Feng Shui. The greater the faith, the larger the sai. It is also believed that the sai will bring happiness to the families and the businesses of the owners. To obtain the best lucky effect, a sai must be hung high with its mouth turned toward the outside of the shop or the house to bring in good fortune and money. Never point the mouth of a sai to the side or inside the house as this may draw the fortune away from the owners. Information by: https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/th/culture_heritage/9-quintessential-thai-amulets/

Phra Phong Suphan (Thai : พระผงสุพรรณ)

Phra Phong Suphan (Thai : พระผงสุพรรณ) is from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Thai : วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ) of Suphanburi Province. There were thieves who came to dig under the large stupa in the temple and stole amulets and tablets, some made from gold. So in 1913 Suphanburi governor ordered the formal dig up to uncover the buried amulets. Phra Phong Suphan was among the amulets found. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Buddha_amulet Photo by http://www.nungsuepra.com/

Phra Somdej (Thai: พระสมเด็จ)

Phra Somdej (Thai: พระสมเด็จ) amulets are "King of amulets" said, also Known as "lucky amulets" is one of the famous amulet. Each amulet collectors must have one and it is the best and foremost choice to the new believer of Thai Amulet. Para Somdej own the most noblest status in Buddhism. The most famous of this kind is the Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang produced in around 1866 to 1871, by Somdej Toh of Wat Rakhang Khositaram (Thai: วัดระฆังโฆษิตาราม). He is among the most respected monk in Thailand too. Phra Somdej Chitralada is the amulets made by King Bhumibol himself and awarded during 1965 till 1970 to selected soldiers, policemen, government officers and citizen. Not exceeding 3000 of those are amulets made. Each amulet is accompanied with certificate stating name of recipient, date and amulet number. As of 2013, a Phra Somdej Chitralada worths at least 2 million Baht. In general, most Phra Somdej amulets do not have eyes, nose and mouth. The Buddha image in Phr...

Phra Kring (Thai : พระกริ่ง)

Phra Kring (Thai : พระกริ่ง) The Phra Kring is a metallic statuette in the image of a meditating Buddha, which is only made in Thailand. The Phra Kring is essentially a Mahayana style Buddha Image, despite the fact that Thailand adheres to Theravada Buddhism. The beliefs about the Powers of the Phra Kring, are that the Phra Kring is the image of Pra Pai Sachaya Kuru (พระไภษัชยคุรุ Bhaisajyaguru, 藥師佛 Yàoshīfó, in Chinese, or in Japanese 'Yakushi'). Pra Pai Sachaya Kuru (or, 'Guru) is of course, the Medicine Buddha. The image is normally in the posture of sitting and holding an almsbowl or a Guava, Gourd or a Vajra. This was a Fully enlightened Buddha, who practised Purity of body and mind, and who was a great teacher of Human Beings, who has the Miracle that he who hears his name in passing, or see his image, will be healed, and live a long healthy and prosperous life with wealthy standing. The Pra Kring Buddha, or 'Bhaisajyaguru' is one of Seven Bhaisajayagurus and...

Phra Rod (Thai: พระรอด)

Phra Rod (Thai: พระรอด) refers to amulets discovered in early King Chulalongkorn era inside a partially collapsed stupa in Wat Mahawan (Thai: วัดมหาวัน) in Lamphun Province. It was named Phra Rod because the Buddha image in the amulet matched the ancient Buddha image in the temple's Ubosot called Phra Rod Luang (Thai: พระรอดหลวง). Legends say that when the temple was part of Hariphunchai Kingdom, the amulets were crafted by Rishi to hand out to citizen during wars and the remaining of those were placed inside the temple's stupa. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Buddha_amulet Photo by http://www.thaprachan.com/show_pra.php?id=200426

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Ringing Buddha - Phra Kring Pawareth was produced under the reign of King Rama III’s in 2390