Picture from responders.

 

A well-known Thai amulet designer, famous for creating medallions and bracelets associated with the revered monk Luang Phor Ruay of Wat Tako, has tragically died after his car veered off the road and plunged into a canal.

 

The accident occurred at 22:00 on 20 March along a canal-side road in Phachi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Emergency responders and local police arrived at the scene to find a seven-seater Isuzu MU-X submerged in the Rapeepat Canal, with only the roof visible in the water.

 

After retrieving the vehicle, officers discovered the body of Somchai Raksasak, 63, a resident of Nakhon Pathom Province. Inside the car, police found gold-framed Buddha amulets and a significant amount of cash.

 

A close friend of the deceased recounted how they had been drinking together earlier in the evening. Despite repeated pleas for him to stay the night, Somchai insisted on driving home to his wife in Saraburi Province.

 

Another friend followed him for a while but later lost sight of his car. Concerned, they called Somchai’s nephew, Santi, 29, who also began searching for him. Finally, they arrived at the scene only to discover his vehicle being pulled from the water.

 

Jakrapan Pinjeen, a member of the Phutthai Sawan Rescue Foundation, said an eyewitness had seen the car veer off the road and sink into the canal. The witness reported noticing a light inside the vehicle, possibly from a phone flashlight, suggesting Somchai may have been trying to signal for help.

 

However, the canal’s depth and darkness made any rescue attempt impossible before emergency services arrived.

 

Authorities believe Somchai lost control on the dark, straight stretch of road, leading to the fatal crash. His body has been sent to the Forensic Institute in Pathum Thani for further examination.

 

Somchai, also known as ‘Chang Noi’, was a highly respected craftsman in Thailand’s amulet-making community. A disciple of Luang Phor Ruay, he was responsible for designing several famous generations of medallions, bracelets, and sacred objects associated with the revered monk.

 

-- 2025-03-22

 

 

 

Well his amulets didn't save him this time don't drink and drive

[quout]

...

Authorities believe Somchai lost control on the dark, straight stretch of road, leading to the fatal crash.

...

[/quote]

 

Perhaps that should read "Authorities believe Somchai was as pissed as a fart and mistook the canal for a nice new smooth road...