Temple to issue amulet featuring former 2nd Army Region commander

UDON THANI — Wat Pa Srikunaram in Udon Thani is preparing to issue a commemorative amulet featuring Phra Ajarn Prachak Phuripanyo, the temple’s abbot, and Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, a former commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region.

The “Luang Pho Prachak–Luang Pho Boonsin, Edition 1” amulet is being created as a keepsake for devotees attending the temple’s annual Kathin ceremony on 1 November.

The initiative was requested by disciples of Phra Ajarn Prachak and followers of Luang Pho Boonsin Chotipanyo, who wanted a commemorative item to mark the religious event and honor their teachers.

The front of the amulet features a half-length image of Phra Ajarn Prachak, with inscriptions identifying the Kathin ceremony and the temple. The reverse features a half-length image of Luang Pho Boonsin, along with his name.

The temple expects a large turnout of Buddhists and devotees for the Kathin ceremony, a major merit-making event traditionally held after the end of Buddhist Lent.

The temple will also distribute “Chana Suek Mongkol Maha Lap” yantra cloths as keepsakes for devotees making merit.

Luang Pho Boonsin previously served as commander of the 2nd Army Region under the name Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, and was known by the nickname “Army Commander Kung.” During his military career, he was involved in overseeing Thailand’s border areas with Cambodia and protecting territory along the frontier.

He was also associated with efforts to assert Thailand’s sovereignty over disputed border areas, including the Ta Kwai Temple area and surrounding locations, before retiring from military service.