From Sacred to Profane
Phra Khun Phaen Amulets in Modern Thailand
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6157426 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Saran Suebsantiwongse (0000-0003-1113-1180, Leiden University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 112 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 39-52 |
| Publication date | 2024-11-18 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of the Siam Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0304-226X • E-ISSN: 2651-1851 |
| Publisher | The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.69486/112.2.2024.4 |
| OpenAlex | W4404477848 |
| Language | EN |
In recent years, the Phra Khun Phaen amulet, usually featuring a seated buddha in the subduing Māra pose, has gained popularity among Thais and foreigners, especially Asians. Believed to bestow charisma, wealth, and sexual attraction, the amulet’s origins trace back to the Siamese literary work Khun Chang Khun Phaen from the Ayutthaya period. This article explores its evolution from early clay tablets to modern representations, emphasizing its shift from a Buddhist doctrinal tool to a necromantic symbol of wealth and power, shaped by economic conditions from the early 20th century to today
Ancient history · Art · Geography · History · Southeast Asian Sociopolitical Studies · Vietnamese History and Culture Studies
| Highly cited | No |
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