A craze for amulets that promise to make their owners rich is sweeping across Thailand, much to the dismay of traditionalists in the Buddhist nation. Some monks have come out swinging against the Jatukam Ramathep frenzy, saying it has turned the Buddhist priesthood into an "amulet-blessing industry" despite the religion's shunning of earthly possessions and materialism. Rather than wearing their talisman discreetly under their shirts, as Thais have done in the past, Jatukam owners display it proudly on the outside, suspended on a thick gold chain. More than 20 billion baht has been spent on the amulets in Thailand this year, according to Thai media reports.
Reuters