Phaya Tao Ruean turtle medal (เหรียญพญาเต่าเรือน), Jao Sua Maha Setthi (Great Tycoon) edition — the first turtle medal issued by Luang Pu Je (Bunma) Katapunyo, personally consecrated at Wat Pa Wiwek Tham forest monastery, Kalasin Province, in B.E. 2563 (2020). Copper, mounted in a gold-tone waterproof case, one piece only, USD $126.
1. What is a Phaya Tao Ruean (Turtle King) amulet?
Phaya Tao Ruean means Turtle King. The motif traces to the Jataka tales, in which the Buddha-to-be was born as a great turtle who carried shipwrecked travelers to shore. In Thai belief the turtle stands for patient, unshakable accumulation: wealth that arrives slowly but never retreats, long life, and quiet protection. Turtle amulets are among Thailand's most beloved wealth pieces, and this Jao Sua Maha Setthi batch is the first turtle medal Luang Pu Je ever blessed.
Key facts
- Type: Phaya Tao Ruean turtle medal (เหรียญพญาเต่าเรือน)
- Edition: Jao Sua Maha Setthi (เจ้าสัวมหาเศรษฐี), the master's first turtle batch
- Material: copper (เนื้อทองแดง / Nuea Thong Daeng)
- Temple: Wat Pa Wiwek Tham forest monastery, Kalasin
- Consecrated by: Luang Pu Je (Bunma) Katapunyo, 1940–2025
- Year: B.E. 2563 (2020)
- Case: gold-tone waterproof case with bail, ready to wear
- Stock: one piece only
2. Who was Luang Pu Je?
Born Bunma Kaewpanya on 5 August 1940 in Roi Et Province, Luang Pu Je was a forest monk of Thailand's northeastern kammathana (meditation) tradition, a disciple of Luang Po Kong Chattamo of Khao Somphot, Lopburi. He kept a vegetarian diet, spoke little, carved Buddha images by hand, prepared herbal medicine for villagers, and became famous for consecrating amulets while standing in deep meditation. He passed away peacefully on 25 October 2025 at age 85, after 38 years in the robes.
3. Blessings
- Wealth: steady accumulation — money that comes in and stays
- Business: stable trade, loyal customers, protection of the family enterprise
- Health: longevity and well-being
- Protection: warding off danger and misfortune
- Support: benefactors and helpful people
Note: amulets support mindful living and merit-making; they are not a guarantee. Keeping the five precepts aligns the wearer with the blessing.
4. Craftsmanship
Front: turtle-shaped medal with the master seated in meditation at the center of the shell, ringed by dense yant script, with sacred characters at the head, feet and tail. Back: the full shell is covered in a hand-written yantra matrix, with เจ้าสัวมหาเศรษฐี ๒๕๖๓ cast below the head. Deep, crisp copper stamping. This piece comes mounted in a gold-tone waterproof case (not solid gold) with an engraved rim and built-in bail.
5. FAQ
Q: Can Luang Pu Je amulets still be obtained?
A: The master passed away in October 2025, so no new pieces will ever be made. This piece comes through a legitimate channel with a Merit Messenger certificate (No. CO01486).
Q: What makes the Jao Sua Maha Setthi edition special?
A: It is the first turtle medal the master personally blessed, in B.E. 2563, in a limited run; interest has grown steadily since his passing.
Q: Can I wear copper amulets daily?
A: Yes. The waterproof case protects it in daily wear; avoid prolonged seawater or chemical contact and wipe the case with a soft cloth.
Q: How do I verify the certificate?
A: Scan the QR code on the card for instant verification, or check number CO01486 (GJ07-B2094). The card is double-signed and dated 7 July 2026.
Q: Who should wear it?
A: Business owners and anyone building or protecting wealth; also those praying for elders' longevity, and collectors of Luang Pu Je pieces.
6. About this specific piece
- Pre-mounted in a gold-tone waterproof case with bail (not solid gold) — ready to wear
- Price: USD $126
- Stock: one piece only, no restock
- Merit Messenger Certificate of Authenticity included; 10x refund if proven inauthentic
Last updated: 2026-07-18 | Merit Messenger team (Bangkok-based)
