A retro-edition Phra Somdej Rai Wari (พระสมเด็จไร่วารี รุ่นย้อนยุค) in sacred powder, issued in B.E. 2563 (2020) by the Luang Phor Tim Foundation at Wat Laharn Rai, Rayong. The original Somdej Rai Wari of B.E. 2517 was limited to 3,000 pieces, all blessed by Luang Phor Tim himself; originals now sell for tens of thousands of baht. Pre-mounted in an Italian gold case with a rhinestone front frame, with Certificate of Authenticity P07765 (GJ09-B8923). One piece only.
1. What is the Somdej Rai Wari (Phra Somdej Rai Wari / พระสมเด็จไร่วารี)?
The Phra Somdej is the most prestigious amulet form in Thailand — often called the "King of Amulets" — showing the Buddha seated on a tiered base beneath an arch. It is worn for all-round blessings: protection, safety, wealth and popularity.
"Rai Wari" (ไร่วารี) is the former name of Wat Laharn Rai. In B.E. 2517, devotees pressed 3,000 Somdej from sacred powders, including powder given by Luang Phor Tim, and presented them to the master to bless. Scarce and well documented, originals remain in demand, with fine examples listed at ฿50,000 and above.
In B.E. 2563, the Luang Phor Tim Foundation (มูลนิธิหลวงปู่ทิม) re-cut the original design as a retro edition, with "หลวงพ่อทิม วัดไร่วารี" on the back just like the original.
Key facts
- Type: Phra Somdej (พระสมเด็จ)
- Edition: Somdej Rai Wari, retro edition (รุ่นย้อนยุค)
- Material: Sacred powder (Nuea Phong / เนื้อผง)
- Issued by: Luang Phor Tim Foundation, Wat Laharn Rai (วัดละหารไร่), Rayong
- Year: B.E. 2563 (2020 CE)
- Case: Italian gold case, rhinestone front frame, fully engraved back and sides, with bail (not solid gold, not diamonds)
- Certificate: No. P07765, card GJ09-B8923
- Stock: one piece only
2. Who was Luang Phor Tim?
Luang Phor Tim Issariko (หลวงปู่ทิม อิสริโก, 16 June 1879 – 16 October 1975) founded and led Wat Laharn Rai in Rayong. He lived to 96 with 69 years in robes, ate one meal a day, kept a vegetarian diet for nearly five decades, and held the title Phra Khru Bhavana Bhirat. His Khun Paen Phrai Kuman is known as the "King of Khun Paen," and his Somdej Rai Wari and Nang Phan coin are prized by collectors.
3. Traditional blessings
- Protection and safe travels — the Somdej is Thailand's classic protective amulet
- Wealth and business success
- Popularity and support from influential people
- Calm mind — the meditating Buddha as a reminder to practise
Note: an amulet supports the wearer's own practice and is not a guarantee of results. Keeping the Five Precepts strengthens the connection.
4. Craftsmanship
The front shows the classic Somdej design: the Buddha in meditation on a three-tier base, under an arch with a patterned border, in cream-white powder with fine visible sacred granules. The back carries Luang Phor Tim's yantra and the inscription "หลวงพ่อทิม วัดไร่วารี". The Italian gold case has a sparkling rhinestone front frame and fully engraved back and sides, with bail — ready to wear.
5. FAQ
Q: Was this blessed by Luang Phor Tim himself?
A: No. He passed away in 1975. This is the Foundation's 2020 retro edition of the original design. Originals (3,000 pieces) are expensive and widely faked; a certified retro from his own lineage is the safer way to own this amulet.
Q: What does "Rai Wari" mean?
A: It is the former name of Wat Laharn Rai; the original Somdej was named after the temple.
Q: How do I verify the certificate?
A: Scan the QR code on the card. Card no. GJ09-B8923, issued 22 September B.E. 2569, signed by the association's president and vice-president.
Q: Are the stones diamonds?
A: No, they are rhinestones — bright and eye-catching, with no worry about everyday wear.
Q: Who is it for?
A: Everyone — the Somdej's all-round blessings make it ideal for first-time wearers, business owners and Luang Phor Tim collectors.
6. About this piece
- Price ฿3,688, including certificate, Italian gold case with rhinestone frame, and international shipping
- One piece only
- Optional blessing ceremony performed in your name, filmed in full and sent to you
- Sourced in person from Thai temples by Merit Messenger — 10x refund if not authentic
Last updated: 4 October 2026 | Merit Messenger team, based in Thailand
