Namo Goldsmith Shop clarifies the issue regarding the gold Buddha hair relic after testing, affirming sincere intent to genuinely help. They plan a live stream with craftsman Tong, attracting many supporters.
Regarding the controversy about the "gold Buddha hair relic" and whether it contains 50 baht worth of gold, after the relic was examined at the Namo goldsmith shop, Namo, the test revealed only 2% gold alloy, the rest being zinc and copper. Yesterday (4 May 2026), parties agreed to conduct a cross-section test to determine if gold remained inside. The test confirmed the interior still contained the expected gold, as previously reported.Read more: Cross-section test of Buddha hair relic at Boonchuenchu Temple finds gold still present inside; Craftsman Tong collapsed in tears.)
Most recently (5 May 2026), the fan pageNamo Goldsmith Shop at Ban Chang Thong, Phet Thong & Jewelleryposted: “I will do a live stream with craftsman Tong about this matter again.”
“Let me explain the story from the beginning. My shop offers free metal testing to everyone who comes by, and many people come daily for testing.”
“In this case, the person who brought the Buddha hair for testing came to the shop and asked us to verify if it was gold. He claimed there was no less than 45 baht of gold. During the test, he video-called the abbot, who was present as a witness, and I also recorded video for documentation.”
“Our initial test showed the outer metal was brass, which I explained in the video.”
“To know if there is gold inside, we must perform a cross-section or drilling test. If gold is really inside, it will reassure everyone. Both the abbot and the person who brought the relic said they witnessed the actual gold pouring during the casting ceremony. They were shocked when the surface test showed no gold, but I had explained that our test only covered the exterior.”
“The interior requires further verification. Everyone wanted to test it, but since this item belongs to the temple, it must go through proper procedures for examination. I advised the abbot to consult the craftsmen who performed the casting, as they would know best. This is the advice I gave.”
“The abbot and the donor agreed that gold was indeed poured and included during the casting ceremony, which they saw with their own eyes, prompting me to find ways to further verify.”
“Let me briefly explain the casting process. Most casting involves melting metals to closely match the mold's capacity. For example, if a mold holds 1 kilogram, the molten metal is calculated to fill the mold perfectly.”
“I mean mixing gold with other metals like brass, melting them together, then pouring the mixture to fill the mold, as is typical in casting. I believe this method would reveal the presence of gold.”
“After this became news, I appeared on the 'Hon Krasae' program to help verify and seek the truth. The donor, abbot, and caster discussed the matter on air, and I was glad the casting craftsman appeared and explained the process.”
“The craftsman explained they remelted the metal, with the abbot and casting team aware, but the donor was not informed. The donor only knew about the pouring during the ceremony.”
“The craftsman described making a brass mold, then pouring gold inside, sealing it with plaster, which prevented the tester from detecting gold because the outer surface was brass. Everyone on the 'Hon Krasae' show learned this directly from the craftsman, resolving much of the mystery. Today, after the cross-section test, I am still happy to have found gold inside.”
“Had I known about the remelting and refilling process earlier, I could have offered more helpful advice.”
“If any of my words or actions caused misunderstanding or mistakes, I apologize sincerely.”
“My intention has always been to genuinely help.”
“Thank you very much.”
He also added, “I accept all criticism as an opportunity to improve. Any corrections are acts of care and concern for me.”
“This matter became clear to the donor after I provided ongoing advice to locate the gold based on their accounts, and ultimately gold was found, which is good. For other criticisms against me, I apologize for any inappropriate conduct. Craftsman Tong and I have discussed this; my intention is truly to help as stated.”
Subsequently, many people left messages of encouragement.
Thank you to the fan page Namo Goldsmith Shop at Ban Chang Thong, Phet Thong & Jewellery.