Somdej Phra Bhudhacharn(Toh)
Promrangsi, Wat Rakang, Bangkok
Somdej Toh (1788-1872; B.E. 2331-2415), known formally as Phra
Bhudhacharn Promrangsi, was one of the most famous Buddhist monks
during Thailand's Rattanakosin Period. Born in Kumpangpetch
province, he was, by some accounts, the son of King Rama I. He
studied the Buddhist scriptures of the Pâli Canon with several
Buddhist masters. After becomeing a well-known monk, he became the
preceptor for Prince Mongkut, later King Rama IV, when Mongkut
became a monk. It was during Rama IV's reign that Somdej Toh was
given the ceremonial name Phra Bhudhacharn Promrangsi; during this
time, Toh was living in Wat Rakang Kositaram. He was noted for the
skill of his preaching and his use of Thai poetry to reflect the
beauty of Buddhism.
In a retreat, Phra buddhacharn Toh was in a deep samadhi
meditation. In his vision, He saw bright light shining towards his
direction and an bright image of Buddha appeared sitting in the
cave like window whereby BuddhaCharn Toh Himself latter carved out
the vision he encountered into clay powdered made pendents and
present to the Thai King Rama royalty as a national blessings for
the thai people.
The Buddhacharn Toh's somdej buddha images are some the of the most
rare, ancient and sought after available anywhere. Many of these
amulets were created by Buddhist Monks who dedicated their entire
lives to the betterment of mankind through the promotion of a peace
and tranquility as laid out by the principals of the Great Buddha.
The Thai amulets pictured in this site are from Temples in Thailand
and date back as far as 1300 years, each having a unique history
and in many cases a story that has been passed down through
generations.
Thai Amulet forms were created and blessed in temples by revered
Monks from ancient till present era ; one of the most notable being
Somdej Puttajarn (Toh) who made the highly prized Somdej amulets
from Wat Rakang, Wat Bang Khun Prom and Wat Gad Chiyo some 140
years ago. This monk holds a high place in the hearts and minds of
the people of Thailand since he was instrumental in the teaching
and training of the countries most famous King V (Somdej Phra
Julajomklaw Jawouhou): In later years King V extended the ultimate
honor and title of Somdej back to him. King V is most noted as
being responsible for opening up the world to Thailand (then Siam).
He was the first King to travel extensively around the world
meeting Kings, Queens and heads of state spreading awareness of his
country and of the great Buddha. During his travels he presented as
good will gifts, Somdej Thai amulets (made by Somdej Puttajarn Toh)
to those he met.
Thai amulets have 4 main categories: Powder based Amulets; Clay
based Amulets; Metal based Amulets and Thai Medallions.
Phra Buddhacharn Toh of Wat Rakang, blessed and made top famous Wat
Rakang Somdej. Venerable passed away in B.E 2415 at the age of 85.
His somdej amulets are blessed with ChinnaBangchorn Gatha (Pali:
Jinapanjara Gatha). Materials for making the somdej comprises of:
Shell limes, Phong Vises, assorted flowers from shine, rice remains
after his meals, lotus. banana, ashes from the burner urn, candle
wax, honey and tang oil etc.
There is a very holy mirage story about somdej image.
A century plus ago, King Rama 5th, visited Europe 1st time in B.E
2440. One day, King Rama 5th visited the Germany Emperor William
Kaiser. Suddenly, Emperor Kaiser saw bright coloured rainbow light
shines out of King Rama's top upper pocket. Emperor Kaiser was very
excited and anxious. So King Rama took out the Pra SomdeJ Phim Song
Kaiser that made by Phra Buddhacharn Toh and presented to Emperor
Kaiser.
After Emperor Kaiser seen that somdej image, he proclaimed in
German essence," Lime...? Shine...!!? Interesting !!!" King Rama
knew Emperor Kaiser shown great interest and love towards this
somdej image. Later King Rama 5th explained the origins of this
somdej image and present this Somdej to Emperor Kaiser as a gift of
friendship and mutual peace harmony of Thailand and the western
powers. 
I hope my writings will clear the doubts of all misunderstanding of
Thai amulets. As I know that there are many commercial dealing of
Thai amulets going on in the market, but this shall not diminished
one's faith in the Buddha Dharma esp Thai Therevada Buddhism.
Dharma is always pure, but depends how we intrepret it and view
it.....Sadhu...sadhu.... 
