Ratchaburi is abuzz as famous artists and amulet experts led a merit-making group at Wat Tha Pha, Ban Pong district, to pay respects to Mae Boonruen Tongboonterm, a virtuous laywoman. The ceremony included a ritual to summon luck from a special jar, from which the lucky number 693 was drawn.
On 10 March 2026, reporters reported that yesterday (9 March 2026) at the Thai pavilion of Wat Tha Pha in Ban Pong district, Ratchaburi province, Mr. Wanchai Suphan, a renowned amulet expert, National Artist Thanis Sriklindee, and former famous luk thung singer Sanya Pornnarai, along with their group, came to pay respects and request blessings from the statue of Mae Boonruen Tongboonterm, a virtuous laywoman with high spiritual attainment famed for her psychic powers. They also donated 5,004 bottles of drinking water to Phra Maha Rungtham Yanasit, the abbot of Wat Tha Pha, to distribute to devotees attending the grand 132nd birth anniversary event of Mae Boonruen, scheduled for 10 March 2026.
During the event, National Artist Thanis Sriklindee performed flute music in tribute to Mae Boonruen, while former famous luk thung singer Sanya Pornnarai sang the classic song “Promise at Dusk.” The ceremony included a conch shell blowing to express respect and faith amid devotees who brought fruit and garlands to pay their respects and pray. Afterwards, Sanya Pornnarai approached the back of the statue to pray and make wishes to Mae Boonruen Tongboonterm, then performed the ritual to summon luck from the special jar, drawing the lucky number 693. This caused excitement among attendees who eagerly noted the number for lottery purposes.
Mae Boonruen Tongboonterm was born on Sunday, 4 March 1894, in Khlong Sam Wa, Min Buri district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, into a modest family. Her father was Mr. Yim Klinphaka, and her mother was Mrs. Suan Klinphaka. Mae Boonruen worked as a tailor and as a therapeutic masseuse providing treatments without charge. She was also skilled in traditional midwifery, earning widespread recognition at that time.
Her strong devotion to Buddhism grew through frequently listening to monks chanting and teaching at Wat Samphanthawong, where she practiced Vipassana meditation. Eventually, she separated from her husband and ordained as a nun, dedicating herself to spiritual practice at Wat Samphanthawong. Through diligent Vipassana meditation, Mae Boonruen attained high spiritual realization. She passed away on 7 September 1964 at 11:20 a.m., aged 70 years.