Product: Phra Somdej Toh
Origin: Phra Somdej Phutthacharn Toh (Archan Toh)_Wat RaKang, Back_Ling Rama V
Period: Unknown (Old) B.E. 2411.
Enclose casing (Color):  Stainless Steel and Clear Acrylics Display
Size of Amulet (approx): 25.4 mmW x 37.8 mmH x 8.8 mmT
Size of Case (approx): 30.5 mmW x 49.7 mmH x 15.3 mmT
 
Somdej Toh, also known as Ajarn Toh, was born on 17 April 1788 (B.E. 2331) in Kamphaeng Phet Province during the early Rattanakosin period of Thailand. His formal monastic title was Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi. Widely revered in Thai Buddhism, he is remembered as one of the most distinguished and beloved monks of his era.
 
At the age of twelve, he was ordained as a novice at Wat Nibbanaram—now known as Wat Mahathat, located opposite the Grand Palace in Bangkok. At twenty, he received full ordination under royal patronage at Wat Phra Kaew. He later moved to Wat Rakang, where he devoted himself to the study of Buddhist philosophy, Pali scriptures, and meditation. His deep knowledge and discipline earned him the title “Maha Toh,” reflecting his scholarly excellence.
 
Somdej Toh became renowned not only for his learning but also for his humility and accessibility. Despite his high status, he welcomed people from all walks of life, offering teachings, blessings, and guidance. His sermons and poetic expressions of Buddhist principles were widely admired. Over time, he gained close connections with the royal court and eventually served as preceptor to Prince Mongkut, who later became King Rama IV.
 
During Prince Mongkut’s monastic life, Somdej Toh played a key role in instructing him in the Dharma and monastic discipline. Following political changes in the kingdom, Prince Mongkut remained in monkhood for approximately twenty years. After the death of King Rama III, he ascended the throne as King Rama IV.
 
Meanwhile, Somdej Toh undertook an extended period of “Thudong”—a traditional ascetic journey—travelling through remote forests along the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. This practice, lasting more than two decades, was intended to deepen spiritual insight, cultivate merit, and strengthen understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.
 
In 1860, King Rama IV commissioned the construction of Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace in Phetchaburi Province and invited monks from across the country to attend its grand consecration. Somdej Toh was requested to return from his forest retreat for the occasion. During his journey by boat to Bangkok, a violent storm arose at sea. According to tradition, he stood at the bow of the vessel and calmed the storm through prayer and meditative concentration, demonstrating the spiritual power attributed to him.
 
Following this event, King Rama IV appointed him abbot of Wat Rakang and conferred upon him the prestigious ecclesiastical title “Somdej.” In 1864, he was formally named Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi.
 
One of his most enduring contributions to Thai Buddhism is the Chinabanchorn (Jinabanchorn) Katha, a sacred chant believed to offer protection and spiritual strength. Said to have originated from an ancient Sri Lankan manuscript, Somdej Toh revised and simplified the text, making it more accessible for practitioners. He used it extensively in rituals, meditation, and blessings. Today, it remains one of the most widely recited and revered chants in Thailand.
 
Numerous stories illustrate his character and spiritual insight. One account tells of his arrival at Wat Rakang, where the abbot had dreamt of a white elephant consuming sacred scriptures—a symbol interpreted as the arrival of an extraordinary monk. Recognizing Somdej Toh’s wisdom and presence, the abbot accepted him as a disciple and imparted his knowledge until the end of his life.
 
Another well-known story reflects his generosity. While crossing a river, Somdej Toh offered his royal ceremonial fan—an ornate and highly valued object bestowed by the king—as payment to a boatman who was unaware of his identity. When the matter reached the king, the fan was retrieved, but the incident led to a decree exempting monks from ferry charges on the Chao Phraya River.
 
His compassion was equally evident in a story involving a thief. Pretending to sleep, Somdej Toh allowed the intruder to search freely. When the thief struggled to retrieve a small box, Somdej Toh handed it to him willingly. When questioned, he explained that material possessions only bind individuals to worldly concerns, and by giving it away, he freed both himself and the thief from attachment.
 
Somdej Toh also dedicated significant resources to the construction of Buddha statues and temples. In 1867, he initiated the building of a large standing Buddha statue at Wat Intharawihan in Bangkok. He personally oversaw the project, often resting at the construction site. On 22 June 1871, before the statue was completed, he passed away peacefully at its base.
 
He left behind a profound spiritual legacy, including temples, sacred teachings, and thousands of Phra Somdej amulets—now among the most revered Buddhist artifacts in Thailand. These amulets, blessed through his meditation and chanting, are believed to offer protection and good fortune.
 
Somdej Toh’s life exemplified wisdom, compassion, and detachment. Through his teachings, writings, and example, he continues to inspire devotion and respect among Buddhists in Thailand and beyond.