Thammasat University is offering a free online course, “Introduction to Thai Buddha Amulets”. The course covers the history, art, and academic and community criteria for evaluating amulet authenticity. This is the first of six planned courses by 2026, which will include an in-depth “Benja Pakhee” study.

     Assoc. Prof. Suddan Wisudthiluck, an advisor at the Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources, and a faculty member of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Thammasat University, revealed that currently, the trend of amulets is gaining significant popularity, particularly in the creation of content on online platforms such as TikTok and Reels. This has led to the production of a Netflix movie, which has gained popularity in several countries, resulting in a broadening interest among people from various professions and age groups. Notably, many of these individuals have little experience and knowledge regarding amulets.

     Therefore, Thammasat University has launched a basic course on amulets on the online learning platform of the Institute of Continuing Education, or TU NEXT, allowing the general public to access fundamental knowledge about amulets at no cost. The course will be taught in a systematic manner, covering aspects such as history, cultural significance, artistry, as well as how to examine and understand amulets, which will provide a solid foundation before entering the amulet community with awareness and understanding.

     Assoc. Prof. Suddan noted that while Thailand’s experienced amulet experts, or “sen-pras,” have helped the field gain recognition, their knowledge often remains unsystematic and potentially monopolized. With no current educational institution offering structured amulet knowledge, Thammasat University is stepping in to fill this gap. He cited the Luang Pu Thuat debate as a key example, highlighting the need for the amulet community to provide clear, systematic answers, such as history and production methods, to determine authenticity. He stressed that knowledge exchange is essential, moving beyond the past where only ‘sen-pras’ were authorized to make judgments.

     Mr. Isranuwat Srikhun, a lecturer and co-trainer for the introductory amulet course at Thammasat University, stated the course helps students define their objectives, whether exploring monetary value, intrinsic value as collectors or devotees, or appreciating the beauty of Buddhist art. The curriculum also covers diverse criteria for authenticating amulets, moving beyond mere shape or specific observation points. It emphasizes understanding Buddhist art craftsmanship, materials, and the amulet’s nature and antiquity. In short, students gain precise knowledge of shapes, materials, and characteristics.

     Professor Dr. Teera Sindecharak, Director of the Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources at Thammasat University, stated that enhancing knowledge and specialized skills for the public through TU NEXT is one of the academic services provided to society by Thammasat University, which is highly valued by the administration and the university’s president. The aim is to promote lifelong learning and enable individuals to leverage this knowledge to create supplementary careers or even transition to primary careers in the future, as artificial intelligence (AI) will play a significant role in the workforce and lead to increased uncertainty in the labor market.

     Currently, the TU NEXT learning programs consist of over 200 courses divided into seven categories: Art & Spiritualities, Good Life & Wellbeing, Learn with Thammasat Lecturers, Thammasat Initiative, Reskill & Upskill for Communities and Yourself, TU Faculties, and TU Partners. These programs are designed to meet societal needs in both soft skills and hard skills concurrently.

     “In the fiscal year 2026, we plan to introduce approximately 60 additional courses, including those focused on AI, law, conflict management, and even five more specialized courses on amulet appraisal, such as the examination of the Benjapakee amulets. Furthermore, discussions are underway to allow credits earned from these courses to be transferable for further studies at Thammasat University in the future, enabling students to graduate more quickly. Interested individuals can find more details on the TU NEXT website,” said Professor Dr. Teera.