Luang Pu Liew turtle amulet (Phaya Tao Ruean), Run Anamai (the public-health batch), Phim Jumbo (the largest mould of the batch), copper, B.E. 2540 (1997), from Wat Rai Taeng Thong in Nakhon Pathom. The shell is covered in Thai sacred script around the master seated on a lotus, with its original loop intact. Certified CO06546. One piece only.
1. What is a Phaya Tao Ruean turtle amulet
Phaya Tao Ruean (พญาเต่าเรือน) means turtle king. The whole amulet is cast as a turtle with the master image at the centre of the shell. In Thai belief the turtle stands for longevity and for wealth that accumulates steadily and stays, rather than sudden windfalls. The genre exists almost entirely because of one monk: Luang Pu Liew.
Key facts
- Type: Turtle coin amulet (Rian Tao Ruean)
- Batch: Run Anamai, the public-health batch
- Mould: Phim Jumbo, the largest size in the batch
- Material: copper (Nuea Thong Daeng)
- Year: B.E. 2540 (1997 CE), when the master was 92
- Temple: Wat Rai Taeng Thong, Nakhon Pathom
- Master: Luang Pu Liew Punnako (B.E. 2448 to 2543 / 1905 to 2000)
- Certificate: no. CO06546, card GJ08-77042
- Casing: bare amulet with original loop, waterproof case available on request
- Stock: one piece only
2. About the Jumbo mould
A batch of turtle amulets usually comes in several moulds, and Jumbo is the largest. The advantage is direct: a bigger shell holds more script, cut deeper, and the face and robe lines of the central figure read more clearly. It wears with presence and has real weight in the hand. The trade-off is that it is less discreet than a small mould.
On this piece both the outer and inner rings of the shell are filled with Thai sacred script, crisply struck and densely laid out, which only a large mould can carry.
3. Who was Luang Pu Liew
Luang Pu Liew Punnako was born in Nakhon Pathom in B.E. 2448 (1905) and passed away in B.E. 2543 (2000) at the age of 95. He spent most of his monastic life at Wat Rai Taeng Thong, known for austerity and for directing donations into building, schooling and relief work. From the late B.E. 2510s he produced turtle amulets batch after batch and became the master the whole genre is measured against.
Anamai means public health. Thai temple batches named this way are generally issued to support a local health station, medical facilities or public health work, which matches how this master handled donations throughout his life. The specific project of record rests with the temple archive; we do not assert beyond the certificate and the item itself.
4. Blessings and who it suits
- Wealth attraction and wealth retention
- Business luck, customer affinity, sales
- Metta Maha Lap: mercy-driven charm and mentor support
- Steady accumulation, longevity and health
- Protection from danger and safe travel
Suited to business owners, sales professionals, those seeking financial stability, devotees of Luang Pu Liew, and collectors who prefer a large amulet with deep engraving. Not recommended for pregnant women or children under 16.
Note: Thai amulets are objects of faith and cultural collection. Their purpose is to remind the wearer to keep precepts and act well. The blessings described here reflect Thai devotional tradition and are not a financial, medical or legal guarantee of any kind.
5. Craftsmanship
Front: cast as a complete turtle, the shell built as concentric ovals whose outer and inner rings carry Thai sacred script along with the temple and master names. Luang Pu Liew sits in meditation at the centre on a lotus base. Head, four legs and tail are cast as one with further script and ornament on the legs and tail.
Back and edge: master seal and yantra inscriptions. The copper carries a deep brown to golden patina from close to thirty years of natural ageing, not artificial patination.
The original loop at the top is intact and takes a chain directly, or a waterproof case.
6. FAQ
Q: Is it authentic, and how can I check?
A: It ships with a Thai authentication card, certificate no. CO06546, card no. GJ08-77042, issued 18 August B.E. 2569, naming the amulet, the temple (Wat Rai Taeng Thong) and the province (Nakhon Pathom), with two signatures and a QR code you can scan yourself. Backed by our ten-times refund guarantee.
Q: How does the Jumbo mould differ from a standard one?
A: Size and engraving density. The large shell carries fuller, deeper script and clearer detail in the central figure, wears with more presence and is generally more sought after; a standard mould is lighter for close wear. This is the Jumbo mould.
Q: How do I care for copper, and do I need a case?
A: Copper is hard wearing and suits daily wear; the patina deepens with time and should not be polished away, since over-cleaning destroys it. If you wear it against skin every day a waterproof case is recommended. Ask at checkout and we will fit one in Bangkok before shipping.
Q: How do I choose between Luang Pu Liew batches?
A: The early batches of the B.E. 2510s and 2520s are the scarcest and most expensive. Later batches are valued for documented years, personal consecration and friendlier prices. This piece is B.E. 2540, made when he was 92, and is the largest mould of that batch.
Q: How should I wear it?
A: On the chest with the turtle head upward, alone or with other amulets. Keeping the five precepts and giving to others is considered the most important part of wearing any amulet.
7. About this specific piece
Photographed as received, one piece only, sold with its original certificate. Our team is based in Bangkok, sources and verifies every amulet in Thailand, and ships worldwide.
Last updated: 2026-09-15 | Merit Messenger team, based in Bangkok
