Changes in the Buddha Amulet Concept from the Early Rattanakosin Period to World War II

Abstract

This article aims to study the changes in the concept of creating Buddha amulets from the early Rattanakosin Period to World War II. The results showed that the factors that compelled votive tablets to be transformed into Buddha amulets ware social. They included changes in the concept of Buddhism, the spread of cholera, the influences of medal creation, and the collection of medals as antiques. These factors steadily changed votive tablets into Buddha amulets. World War II was the main event that caused Buddha amulets to become popular, and it is considered to represent the beginning of the period of Buddhist Commerce that prevails until now.