The wealth turtle amulet by Luang Phor Liew (Phaya Tao Ruen, พญาเต่าเรือน) ranks among the most iconic wealth-class sacred objects in the Thai amulet world. First produced in BE 2516 and spanning dozens of editions through BE 2542, these turtle amulets have become synonymous with financial blessing. Whether you are new to Thai amulets or a seasoned collector researching specific editions, this guide gives you the full picture.
Who Was Luang Phor Liew — The Legendary "Turtle Monk"
Luang Phor Liew Pannako (หลวงปู่หลิว ปณฺณโก), born Liew Sae-tang on 7 December BE 2448 (1905 CE), grew up in a humble farming family in Ratchaburi Province, the third of nine children. From a young age he showed exceptional diligence, learning carpentry from his father and teaching himself herbal medicine to treat neighbours in the village.
He ordained as a monk in BE 2475 at age 27, receiving the Pali name Phra Leou PhumNakho. His most formative training came under Luang Phor Yorn at Wat Ban Khong Yai in Ratchaburi, where he mastered the complete Phaya Tao Ruen (Sacred Turtle) wicha. He later spent nearly three years practising austerities in Myanmar under Ajarn Mon, and studied further under Luang Phor Ding of Phetchaburi and Luang Phor Kai of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Over his lifetime he established or presided over five temples, finally settling at Wat Rai Taeng Thong in Kamphaeng Saen district, Nakhon Pathom Province. He lived in the strictest monastic tradition — no air conditioning, no television, a simple vegetarian diet of rice and vegetables. Luang Phor Liew passed away on 4 September BE 2543 (2000 CE) at the age of 95, having spent 74 of those years in robes.
Born: BE 2448 (1905), Ratchaburi. Passed away: BE 2543 (2000), aged 95. Temple: Wat Rai Taeng Thong, Nakhon Pathom. Title: Thailand's foremost "Turtle Monk." Production period: BE 2516 through BE 2542.
Why a Turtle — Origins of the Sacred Turtle Wicha
Luang Phor Liew chose the turtle as his signature sacred form for reasons rooted in both Buddhist scripture and Thai folk belief. The monk himself explained that the turtle is a spiritually gifted creature, and in the Jataka tales the turtle appears as one of the Buddha's past-life incarnations. He intended the turtle form to carry the power of wealth attraction and protection for the wearer.
One of Luang Phor Liew's most distinctive rituals was the "floating test." After completing a consecration ceremony, he would place the turtle amulets into a basin of water. Those with sufficient spiritual charge would rise to the surface, signifying a complete blessing; any that sank were returned for further consecration. While similar water tests have been used by other masters such as Ajahn Wara and Luang Phor Sinee, Luang Phor Liew applied the method systematically to every single edition, ensuring each piece that left the temple met his standard.
Three Core Powers of the Wealth Turtle Amulet
Powerful Wealth Attraction — Earned and Windfall Income
The primary purpose of the wealth turtle is financial blessing. Luang Phor Liew's proprietary wealth incantations are believed to draw money from all directions. The amulet is especially favoured by business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone in sales or trading.
Protection Against 108 Dangers
Unlike most wealth-category amulets, Luang Phor Liew's turtle is also recognised for exceptional protective power. Devotees believe it guards against 108 categories of danger, including accidents, animal attacks, theft, fire, flood, lightning, betrayal, black magic, slander, and legal trouble. This dual nature — wealth plus protection — sets it apart from other prosperity amulets.
Career Advancement, Social Connections and Wish Fulfilment
Beyond wealth and safety, the turtle amulet is credited with smoothing career paths, strengthening personal charm, granting wishes, and deepening wisdom. The sacred inscriptions on the reverse are said to attract positive relationships, good fortune, and opportunity.
The wealth turtle is one of the few Thai sacred objects that combines strong financial blessing with comprehensive protective power. It suits business owners, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and anyone seeking career stability.
Notable Editions — Which Year to Look For
Luang Phor Liew produced dozens of turtle editions between BE 2516 and BE 2542. Below are four of the most sought-after releases.
BE 2536 "Sui Sui Sui" (Triple Prosperity) Turtle
"Sui Sui Sui" translates loosely as "Prosper, Prosper, Prosper." It was issued in four materials: solid gold (848 pieces), solid silver (6,888 pieces), Nawa Loha nine-metal alloy (24,888 pieces), and red copper (48,888 pieces). The same ceremony also produced the Pony Turtle and Fortune-Character Turtle variants.
BE 2537 "Sabai Zai" (Forever Happy) Turtle
Temple records state that after the BE 2536 ceremony the turtle moulds were moved into Luang Phor Liew's private meditation chamber, where he continued consecrating them alone for three additional months before performing the floating test. This makes the Sabai Zai edition one of the longest personally blessed by the monk. The name means "forever happy," symbolising lasting financial comfort.
BE 2538 Big-Foot Turtle
Cast in Nawa Loha nine-metal alloy, this edition was jointly consecrated by Luang Phor Liew and Luang Phor Khun — two of Thailand's most celebrated monks. The amulet carries three layers of wealth inscriptions covering earned income, debt clearance, prosperity, and safety.
BE 2542 First-Edition Porcelain Self-Image Turtle
One of the master's final works, measuring approximately 4.2 by 2.8 centimetres with a glazed porcelain face bearing Luang Phor Liew's own likeness. It is highly prized by collectors as a late-period classic.
The golden production period runs from BE 2536 to BE 2542. Earlier editions from around BE 2516 survive in very small numbers and command the highest collector premiums. When choosing, prioritise consecration year, material, mintage, and condition.
Wearing Etiquette — Rules Every Owner Should Know
Luang Phor Liew's wealth turtle is a Phra Khrueang (orthodox Thai sacred object). Standard Buddhist amulet etiquette applies.
Essential Practices
Wear the amulet on a chain around your neck so it rests against your chest. Never place it below the waist or in a trouser pocket.
Remove before bathing or swimming. Most amulet casings are not fully waterproof, and moisture can damage the piece over time.
Remove before intimacy. Place the amulet in its pouch or a clean drawer as a sign of respect.
Avoid wearing it into inappropriate venues. Do not wear the amulet into adult entertainment establishments or violent situations. Ordinary restaurants, hotels, and social venues are fine.
Common Misconceptions Cleared Up
Women may wear it during menstruation. Orthodox Thai amulets carry no such restriction. Simply wash your hands before handling the amulet after using the bathroom.
Multiple orthodox amulets can share one chain. You may wear several Phra Khrueang together, but never mix them with non-orthodox objects.
No birth-chart matching is required. Amulets consecrated by legitimate temple monks do not need astrological compatibility checks.
Another person touching your amulet does not diminish its power, especially when it is inside a protective casing.
How to Authenticate — Three Steps to Avoid Counterfeits
Demand for Luang Phor Liew turtles is high, and so is the volume of fakes. Follow these three steps to protect yourself.
Step 1: Check for a Samakom Phra Certificate
Samakom Phra (สมาคมพระ) is Thailand's most authoritative amulet authentication body. A genuine Luang Phor Liew turtle can be submitted for inspection and issued a certificate card showing a unique number, photographs, year, and material. Always prefer amulets that already carry a Samakom Phra card, or ask the seller for a verifiable certificate number.
Step 2: Examine Mould Work and Material Details
Authentic pieces show crisp inscription lines, clean edges, and material characteristics consistent with official records for that edition. Different years used different materials — red copper, Nawa Loha, silver, gold, porcelain — each with its own expected weight, colour, and texture. Compare against reference photographs from certified examples or authoritative catalogues.
Step 3: Cross-Check Market Pricing
An unusually low price is the strongest warning sign. Classic Luang Phor Liew editions trade within well-established price ranges in Thailand. If a "BE 2537 Sabai Zai Turtle" is offered at a fraction of the going rate, it is almost certainly a reproduction. Before buying, check current prices on reputable Thai amulet forums or consult a trusted dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should wear a Luang Phor Liew wealth turtle?
Anyone seeking stronger financial fortune — business owners, entrepreneurs, salespeople, and professionals looking for career stability. It is an orthodox sacred object with no gender or age restrictions.
Can I wear it together with other amulets?
Yes. As an orthodox Thai amulet, it can share a chain with other Phra Khrueang. Do not mix it with non-orthodox objects.
Which edition should a first-time buyer choose?
For a more accessible entry point, look at the BE 2536 Nawa Loha or red copper Sui Sui Sui turtles — higher mintage keeps prices reasonable while the edition is widely respected. Collectors with a larger budget may consider the BE 2537 Sabai Zai or earlier years.
How can I be sure an amulet is genuine?
The most reliable method is to buy one that already has a Samakom Phra certificate, or send it to an accredited Thai authentication body yourself. Choosing a dealer with a strong reputation and a physical business presence also reduces risk.
Luang Phor Liew has passed away. Does the temple still produce turtle amulets?
Since the monk's passing in BE 2543, the current abbot Luang Phor Sai Chon has continued the tradition. The temple still releases turtle amulets, though collectors generally place the highest value on editions personally consecrated by Luang Phor Liew during his lifetime.
If you would like to see Samakom Phra-certified Luang Phor Liew wealth turtles, or need advice on choosing the right piece, get in touch with us anytime. Our team is based in Bangkok, and we can arrange a visit to Wat Rai Taeng Thong in person.