Phra Yod Thong is a type of sacred Buddhist amulet or small Buddha image that was often mounted on the top of military flagpoles carried into battle in ancient Thai tradition, particularly during the Ayutthaya period. These were created by military leaders to inspire morale and courage, with the Buddha’s protective power against danger from enemies. The rituals focused on ensuring victory and safety in battle. Today, these images remain popular among amulet collectors and devotees.

During the Ayutthaya period, the kingdom constantly faced wars, both for territorial expansion and for defense against invasions by neighboring countries. Both soldiers and civilians sought spiritual anchors and encouragement for battle.

Traditionally, Thai society used various sacred talismans for protection in warfare. When sacred rituals were performed by masters of incantations and potent magic in creating Buddha images or amulets, they served to uphold Buddhism while also being distributed as spiritual tokens to soldiers for courage and morale before going to war. These rituals emphasized the Buddha’s protective powers for invincibility and safety, shielding bearers from harm and ensuring victorious returns.

Within the military, auspiciousness was enhanced by enshrining a small freestanding Buddha image atop the army’s standard (flagpole). The leaders, be it the King, royal princes, high-ranking lords, or generals, would typically provide the materials for these images, in descending order: gold, rose gold (alloy), silver, bronze, and leaded alloy. Historical finds show that some images still have traces of resin or lacquer used to securely attach the image to the flagpole’s tip.

Phra Yod Thong have been unearthed from many ancient sites (or “Krus”) across Thailand: in the central region, the northeast, the east, and the south. Most discoveries were made in the central region, notably at Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya Province and Wat Kai Tia in Pathum Thani Province. In the east, notable finds come from Wat Phlap, Bang Kaja, Chanthaburi Province. In the south, from around 1937 onwards (B.E. 2480), numerous sites yielded Phra Yod Thong of Nakhon Si Thammarat style, such as Wat Phra That, Grunakam, Wat Thao Khod, and Wat Klang in Sichon District.

Ancient Phra Yod Thong come in various designs, seated and standing, depicting different Buddha postures such as subduing Mara, meditation, granting blessings, carrying alms bowl, and opening the world (revealing the cosmos). They were crafted in various materials: gold, rose gold (alloy), silver, bronze, leaded alloy, and red-patinated leaded alloy.

Among the most famous Ayutthaya-period Phra Yod Thong are those from Wat Kai Tia, Pathum Thani Province. These were made in the Ayutthaya period and enshrined at Wat Kai Tia. In 1942 (B.E. 2485), when the large stupa at Wat Kai Tia collapsed due to decay, many Phra Yod Thong were discovered in various materials. Locals collected and revered them, with many reporting miraculous experiences, making them highly sought after by amulet collectors.

Every Phra Yod Thong is cast as a freestanding piece without unique physical features like large Buddha images, each was made from the same mold. A key characteristic is the peg at the base, varying in length, designed to secure the image atop the army’s flag during battle.

The artistic style of these ancient images mostly follows early Ayutthaya period traditions, dating back about 500–600 years. The materials reflect the status and contribution of the donors.

The sacred power (Buddha’s qualities) of Phra Yod Thong is widely praised: for invulnerability, protection from harm for entire armies, safety from enemies, victory in battle, and safe return home. They are also believed to grant power, prestige, merit, promotion, and leadership over others.

In the current era of Phra Yod Thong amulet, the ones made by LP Koon Wat Banrai, especially the 1st batch and the 5th batch (Ta Yin batch), are among the most popular.