Luang Pu Liew turtle amulet (Phaya Tao Ruean) in copper, Run Patchimawai late-life batch, B.E. 2541 (1998), issued by Wat Rai Taeng Thong in Nakhon Pathom. Luang Pu Liew is widely regarded as the founding master of the Thai turtle-amulet tradition; this piece was consecrated when he was 93, two years before he passed away. Certified CO06550. One piece only.
1. What is a Phaya Tao Ruean turtle amulet
Phaya Tao Ruean (พญาเต่าเรือน) literally means turtle king. The whole amulet is cast in the shape of a turtle, with the master image or a yantra set into the shell. In Thai belief the turtle stands for longevity and for wealth that accumulates slowly and stays put 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 Patchimawai (late-life edition)
- Material: Copper (Nuea Thong Daeng)
- Year: B.E. 2541 (1998 CE)
- Temple: Wat Rai Taeng Thong, Nakhon Pathom
- Master: Luang Pu Liew Punnako (B.E. 2448 to 2543 / 1905 to 2000)
- Certificate: No. CO06550, card GJ08-150A8
- Casing: bare amulet, waterproof case available on request
- Stock: one piece only
2. 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 and was known for austerity and for channelling temple donations into building, schooling and relief rather than keeping anything for himself. From the late B.E. 2510s onward he produced turtle amulets batch after batch, and became the master the entire genre is measured against.
Patchimawai means the final stage of life. This batch was issued in B.E. 2541, when he was 93 and two years from his passing, which is precisely what gives it its place in collectors timelines.
3. 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, anyone seeking financial stability, devotees of Luang Pu Liew and Thai amulet collectors. 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.
4. Craftsmanship
Front: cast as a complete turtle with an oval window in the shell framing Luang Pu Liew seated in meditation, ringed by Thai script naming the master and temple. Head, four legs and tail are cast as one piece, with yantra characters on the legs and tail.
Back: the master seal and yantra inscriptions. The copper carries a deep natural patina from close to thirty years of age, not artificial ageing.
An original loop at the top takes a chain directly or a waterproof case.
5. FAQ
Q: Is it authentic, and how can I check?
A: The piece ships with a Thai authentication card, certificate no. CO06550, card no. GJ08-150A8, issued 18 August B.E. 2569. The card names the amulet, the temple (Wat Rai Taeng Thong) and the province (Nakhon Pathom), carries two signatures and a QR code you can scan yourself. Merit Messenger backs every item with a ten-times refund guarantee.
Q: How does the Patchimawai batch differ from other Luang Pu Liew turtles?
A: Mainly in timing. B.E. 2541 sits at the end of his life, two years before he passed. Early batches such as B.E. 2517 are scarcer and command far higher prices; late-life batches are valued for being personally consecrated by him with a clearly documented year, at a far friendlier price.
Q: Copper, powder or alloy, which should I choose?
A: Copper is hard wearing and suits daily wear, developing patina over time. Powder amulets are closer to the traditional sacred-material feel but are brittle and need a case. Most daily wearers, especially men and business owners, choose copper.
Q: Do I need a case?
A: The amulet is sold bare. Copper is durable, but if you wear it daily against skin a waterproof case is recommended. Ask at checkout and we will fit one in Bangkok before shipping.
Q: How should I wear it?
A: Worn on the chest, alone or alongside other amulets, with the turtle head upward. Keeping the five precepts and giving to others is considered the most important part of wearing any amulet.
6. About this specific piece
Photographed as received, one piece only, sold as is 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
