Luang Pho Thap was a monk of rank Phra Kru, while Somdet Phra Sangharaja Phae held the title of Chaokhun at Phra Thammakosachan. Sharing mutual interests, it is said that Somdet Phra Sangharaja once visited Wat Thong to discuss the casting of amulets with Luang Pho Thap on numerous occasions.
The first person to research and publish Luang Pho Thap's Nawa Loha alloy formula in a book on amulets was Triyamvavai.
Recently, amulet books have become widespread, featuring many images of Wat Thong’s Maha Udom amulets made from lacquered powder. Most are small monk head molds with a single front mold; the back sides vary between convex and flat.
It is roughly estimated that Luang Pho Thap selected a beautiful bronze mold as the original model and then used molds for powder amulets. Compared to the bronze versions, the quantity was likely very limited.
The lacquered powder material of Luang Pho Thap aligns closely with that used by Luang Pho Kaeo and the closed-eye amulets from Chonburi Province, but no one has clarified exactly what materials Luang Pho Thap used or whether auspicious woods like those of Luang Pho Kaeo were involved.
Luang Pho Kaeo of Wat Khrueawan was a contemporary of Luang Pho Thap of Wat Thong.
Using their ages as a link, it is believed that the craftsmen of that era who made lacquered powder amulets likely tested and competed with each other. It is assumed that the spiritual benefits of lacquered powder amulets from these two temples are related to great charm and prosperity.
Regarding the spiritual powers of amulets, there is often little logical basis; the community relies on faith. Whatever one believes, they respectfully call upon the monk to bless it accordingly.
The Maha Udom amulet from Wat Thong made of lacquered powder features first, the use of a calf-yant mold; second, it is coated with lacquer and additionally gilded with old gold leaf, which also indicates its age.
