Luang Phor Derm - NSRU Soft Power

The Sacredness and Legend of Luang Phor Derm

Luang Phor Derm, or Phra Khru Niwas Thammakhun, of Wat Nong Pho, Takli District, Nakhon Sawan Province, was a highly revered monk and spiritual teacher with extraordinary psychic powers. It is believed that he achieved a high level of meditation and mental mastery, capable of summoning wind and rain. His amulets and sacred objects are widely recognized for their immense spiritual power, particularly known for their effectiveness in invulnerability and protection, making them highly sought after by amulet collectors. Among his most famous and coveted items are the “Doctor’s Knife,” the molded amulet, cast figurine, and the egg-shaped coin from 1942, often referred to as the “Lotus Upturned and Lotus Down” coin, as well as his yantra cloths and foot-shaped prints, among many others.

The Sacred Power of Luang Phor Derm’s Doctor’s Knife

Wat Nong Pho’s amulets are known for their potent protective qualities, such as invulnerability, protection from harm, defense against animal bites (especially from tusks), shielding from sorcery, and safeguarding against evil spirits. Many people have shared their personal experiences with these powers. To invoke the Doctor’s Knife of Luang Phor Derm, one should remember to chant the following prayer when traveling: “Phra Phutthang Raksaa, Phra Dhammang Raksaa, Phra Sangkhang Raksaa, Sattru Maa Bita Winat Santi.” This is sufficient to invoke the protection. Additionally, there is a specific incantation to accompany the Doctor’s Knife: “Sakkassa Vajjiravuthang Wessuwanassakathavuthang Aalawakathusawuthang Yamassanainawuthang Naraayasasakkaravuthang Panjjaaawuththaanang Etesang Aanuphaawena Panjjaaawuththaanang Phakkaphakkhaa Vichunnang Vichunnaalomaangmaamena Phuttasanti Katcha Amuthhi Okhasetithaa.”

Restrictions for Using Luang Phor Derm’s Doctor’s Knife

There are several restrictions when using Luang Phor Derm’s Doctor’s Knife:

Killing or taking the life of animals is forbidden, except for self-defense.
The knife must not be used for malicious purposes such as harming others or committing adultery.
It is advised not to let a woman who is menstruating touch the Doctor’s Knife.

In the present day, authentic Doctor’s Knives of Luang Phor Derm are very rare. Some individuals, however, have taken an original Doctor’s Knife, separated the blade, and created new handles and sheaths, resulting in a single knife being sold as two separate ones. This has led to confusion, as some may not realize they are purchasing a modified knife. Nowadays, genuine Doctor’s Knives from Luang Phor Derm are highly expensive and extremely hard to find.

Model A:
When considering the “Luang Phor Derm Phutthasaro” statue from Wat Nong Pho, Model A (popular), with a square base and made of alpaca metal, the details are sharp and clear because it was stamped during the first impression.

The word “Luang Phor Derm,” the character “D” and the vowel “i” are clearly separated, with the “i” being a straight line without splitting.
In the sharp impressions, you can see two lines in the right arm pit forming a “V” shape.
There is no excess material in the right arm pit (on the back side).
The hem of the sanghati (robe) has extra material extending toward the base (this part of the mold had started to crack).
The ear of Luang Phor is squared off at the back.
The base has minor filing to form slight sharp edges, and there is no evidence of blackening.
The word “Luang Phor Derm” on the front, at the corner of the base, is slightly rounded and indented.
Key point: The decoration of the robe’s pleats on the side of the statue should have no file marks, as the finishing was done with a gold-punching tool.

Model B:
This model shows the full figure of Luang Phor sitting in meditation on a square base. The design appears natural, with a deep furrow on the forehead and a dent in the center. Facial details are clear, with a “human-like” chin. The middle part of the robe features a deep, crosswise groove. The folds and pleats of the robe appear natural, and there are no filing marks. The base has the inscription “Luang Phor Derm” in Thai, with a small protrusion at the end of the “W.” Beneath the base, the metal is inscribed with characters by the disciples of Luang Phor, such as Luang Phor On of Wat Khok Doer, Luang Phor Oi of Wat Nong Bua, and Luang Phor Noi of Wat Nong Pho. The inscription by Luang Phor Noi is the most commonly seen and is popular for its beauty and ease of recognition.

Model C:
The separation into Models A, B, C, and D is due to the use of a single master mold. The artisans would carve details on both the front and back of the mold as a single set. Over time, the mold wore out and cracked, causing later impressions to lack some of the original sharpness and detail.

Model D:
The points of distinction for Model D are similar to those of Models A, B, and C because it uses the same master mold.

How to Identify Phra Luang Phor Derm Statues (High Base Model)

The creation process of the high base model of Phra Luang Phor Derm is similar to the low base model, with the main difference being the high base mold. In this version, the face of Luang Phor appears smaller and oval-shaped, and the statue’s proportions appear taller compared to the low base model. Additionally, near the base, the inscription “Luang Phor Derm” shows the “O” resembling the letter “J,” and there is a protruding part beneath the inscription. This is why it is referred to as the “high base” model.

The face of Luang Phor in the high base model is smaller and oval-shaped, and the statue appears taller than the low base version.
The letter “O” in the inscription “Luang Phor Derm” resembles the letter “J.”
There is a protruding part beneath the inscription “Luang Phor Derm,” which gives this model its name.
The sides of the statue usually show additional decorative work, where the robe pleats are etched in. These etchings may have been made either while the wax mold was being formed, in which case, under magnification, there will be no sharp tool marks, but instead a residue from the mold. Alternatively, they may have been etched after casting, in which case, distinct tool marks will be visible. Some collectors refer to this as “file marks,” though they are actually marks made with a specialized tool called a “gold file.”
The area near the hips and the base is also decorated similarly (though a few versions may lack this decoration).
The underside of the base is usually smoothed with a file, and often marks from a “gold file” or “Phra Chao Amlok” inscriptions are present. No cases of the high base model having filled sound pellets, like some low base models, have been found.

How to Identify Phra Luang Phor Derm Statues (Low Base Model)

The face of Luang Phor in this model resembles a “matu” fruit. The details of the statue are sharp, and the robe often has a central line. In some versions, file marks on this line can be seen. Unlike the high base model, the low base version does not have the protrusion beneath the inscription “Luang Phor Derm” (though some may have a slight protrusion, the face remains the distinguishing feature). The underside of the base is typically smooth, with few instances of inscriptions or filled pellets, although rare examples exist where the pellets are inserted. The low base model is usually found with a smooth silver coating over the entire statue, but in some instances, black residue from a traditional darkening process (called “rubbing black”) may be visible in crevices.

The face of Luang Phor resembles a “matu” fruit.
The robe has a central line, and in some pieces, tool marks can be seen on this line.
There is no protruding part beneath the inscription “Luang Phor Derm” (though some rare pieces may have a small protrusion, the face remains the distinguishing factor).

How to Identify the Phra Luang Phor Derm Wat Nong Pho “Koh Tueng” Model

The “Koh Tueng” model of Phra Luang Phor Derm from Wat Nong Pho, although considered less popular than the “Niyom” model among collectors, is generally easier to identify and authenticate. This is because there is only one material and two blocks of this model. Additionally, it has a great deal of experience in the market. For those looking to collect this particular model, the “Koh Tueng” version is considered a more reliable choice, as stated by veteran collectors.

The Phra Luang Phor Derm “Koh Tueng” model was created before the Niyom model and exists only in brass. It is divided into two blocks, and the differences between them are as follows:

Koh Tueng with short tail “Ng”: In this block, the tail of the “Ng” is short and positioned at the middle level of the “W” (circle). Additionally, the middle of the “W” has a crossbar that extends to the “L” (monkey) character.
Koh Tueng with long tail “Ng”: In this block, the tail of the “Ng” is longer, almost in line with the head of the “W” character, and the “W” does not have the crossbar like the first block.

The back of the Phra Luang Phor Derm in this model is similar to the Niyom model, which has led some collectors to believe that the “Koh Tueng” model might have been created after the Niyom model. However, historical records indicate that the “Koh Tueng” model was created earlier.

Initial Criteria for Identifying the Phra Luang Phor Derm “Koh Tueng” Model

The image is clear, with sharp lines and well-defined details, as it is a pressed stamp model.
The metal surface is smooth and firm, without the porous holes typically seen in cast statues.
The inscription “Luang Phor Derm” may be faint or have some indentations caused by the force of the stamping, especially in the raised areas, but some pieces may have clearer stamps.

Defects to Look For When Identifying the “Koh Tueng” Model

For the “Koh Tueng” model with short “Ng” tail:

The eyes should be clearly visible, not blurred. The left eye is lower than the right.
The robe’s pleat over the left arm may contain fine details in the folds.
The tail of the “P” character has an upward diagonal stroke.
The tail of the “Ng” is short, extending halfway through the “W” circle and intersecting with the “W”.
There is a horizontal line across the robe at the hem.
Under the right armpit, there are two short lines that connect to the robe.

For the “Koh Tueng” model with long “Ng” tail:

There should be a horizontal line inside the robe’s folds.
The crease in the robe is deeper and wider than in the short “Ng” tail version.
The tail of the “Ng” is extended to nearly the same angle as the “W”.
The neck of Luang Phor Derm is narrower than the short “Ng” tail version. The back of the statue is especially clear, with distinct pleats on the left and right thighs, as well as some scraping marks resembling a triangle shape, indicating additional finishing work in these areas.