The Phra Nang Phaya from Kru Rong Tho, earless print, made of clay, is distinguished by its beautiful triangular pediment shape. The legend of Phra Nang Phaya, also known as the "Queen of Amulets," is part of the Benjapakee set, among Thailand's most valuable and ancient amulets, deeply connected with history and faith dating back to the Ayutthaya period.
Phra Nang Phaya from Wat Pho 'Kru Rong Tho' in Phitsanulok Province.
Phitsanulok is an ancient city with a long history, home to many old temples. It has been an important frontier city since the Sukhothai through the Ayutthaya eras and remains militarily significant today. The province has numerous old amulet caches across various temples with notable reputations. The Phra Nang Phaya amulet from Wat Nang Phaya, Phitsanulok, is the most popular among these, recognized as part of the Benjapakee amulet set. The Wat Nang Phaya amulet comes in several designs. Likewise, the Phra Nang Phaya amulets from Phitsanulok exist in several caches with slightly varying values. Today, we discuss the Phra Nang Phaya from Wat Pho, commonly called "Kru Rong Tho." Wat Pho is located along the east bank of the Nan River, just below the traditional Thai weaving workshop, opposite the army barracks. The temple's ancient structures no longer remain intact—only brick bases remain, often overgrown with grass and vines, making it hard to identify the original chedi foundations. The well-maintained structures seen today are newly built.
The amulets from Wat Pho (Rong Tho) became widely known in the year when the government constructed the Thai weaving workshop and excavated the area around Wat Pho. During this excavation, amulets were found, including Phra Nang Phaya made of baked clay with a triangular shape resembling the Phra Nang Phaya from Wat Nang Phaya with the sangkat print. The Phra Nang Phaya from Kru Rong Tho appear in two prints: a large print with ears and a small print without ears. Other finds include double-arched frame prints made of bronze and amulets from the Tha Maprang style. Due to the discovery during the weaving workshop construction, the amulet cache became known as "Kru Rong Tho," a name still commonly used today. The Phra Nang Phaya from Kru Rong Tho are made of baked clay, ranging from fine to coarse textures. Based on their features, they are assumed to have been made during the same era as the Phra Nang Phaya from Wat Nang Phaya, that is, the Ayutthaya period. Their spiritual benefits are similar, providing kindness, popularity, protection, and wealth.
Today, authentic Phra Nang Phaya from Kru Rong Tho are quite rare and hard to find.
