I hope I am NOT trying to be innovative
or has nothing to do .. but this issue is essentially affecting everyone.
Just treat this as an extension for our Thai amulet site. I would think one common
issue that every collector need to address is to get an acceptable way in a rightful
pronunciation from Thai to English with the various image form (as well as locations
of some landmarks such as Thai temples (Wat) as well as names of the many Thai Guru
Monks. Like it or not, this is an issue constantly faced by all amulet users/collectors
- for an instance, via any popular search engine, various acceptable interpretations/pronunciation
in English may yield different results. Anyway, I will try to provide a general guide
and suggest some of you to adopt a common pronunciation. If some of you have objections
or has a better term to suggest for the inclusion into this mini-database, please
make use of the Message Board to relay your opinion. Thanks.
Benchaphakhi should be the correct word to use as officially in 1995, Thailand Post has officially published a series of commemorative stamp set for this issue. But many sites are using "Benjapakee" to refer to the top five Thai original amulet forms of Soomdej, Soomkor, Nang Phrya, Pongsuphan and Phra Rod. When I have the time, I will featured that later in this site.
 |
Phra (or "Pra") Soomdej. The most acceptable pronunciation used for this form is SOOMDEJ / Soomdej, others may pronounce it as SOOMDET/soomdet or Somdej. Wat Rakang was termed as Wat Rakhang by some Thai or short as WRK. I would suggest standardization of Soomdej for all. |  |
LP Ngern was commonly used for this image form. Some sites suggest the word LP Nern. LP simply stands for Luang Phor* or pronounce it as Long Phor, Loong Phur or Luong Por. Actually, Ruong Phor is also usable (& more accurate) but I would think we use "Luang Phor" from here onwards. |  |
I pronounce this image form as Nang Phrya. Some sites use Nang Pra Yah , Nang Praya or Nang Phya. The latter sounds more appropriate but I would suggest the first. i.e. Nang Phrya |
 |
Phra (or "Pra") Pitta. Other common pronunciation used are Pidha, Pita or Phra Pidda. I would think Pidha was appropriate and most accurate. |  |
 |
Phra Khun Paen was one image that has the most standard pronunciation among all web resources. That is good. The only difference is the "Pra" and "Phra". |  |
LP Thuad is used here in my site. Other commonly used terms are LP Tuad, Luang Phor Thuat or even LP Duat. I would suggest everyone to use LP Thuad. |
 |
Phra Soomkor is an important (equally popular) Buddhist image. Common variables such as Soomgor, Zoomkhor or even Somkhor were being used. I prefer Soomkor. |  |
Phongsuparn was another that has quite a few variations. Others like Phongshupharn, Pongsupan. I think the "Parn" at the rear sounds more accurate, so, I would suggest retaining Phongsuparn. |  |
NangKwak was first used in Lek's site. I have seen some Thai written in Nangkuak or Nangkwat. But I prefer the Nang Kwak so as not to raise further confusion. |
 |
Khruba Srivichai. The first word was the confusing one that can be pronounced as Kruba, Krubah or Gruba, Grubah and even nearer as Grubah & Ghruba. I prefer Khruba. |
|
Kes Chaiyo has been pronounced as Gaet Chaiyo, ketcheiyo or ketchaiyo by some. Some popular sites like Lek uses Kes Chaiyo and I think no pint arguing which versions to use as it may even make things more complicated. I would suggest just retain one as KesChayo or Kes Chaiyo. |
Others (Part One): "To" also referred as "Toh". Guman Thong also being used as Guman Tong or Kuman Thong or Dong by some. The most acceptable is the first. "Katha" is used most often,some other acceptable terms is "Khata" or Ghata". Phra Kaew may be used as Phra Keao - both are frequently used even by tour sites. |
* "LUANG PHI" is classified for a young monk; "LUANG PHO / LUANG PHOR" is classified for a middle aged monk; "LUANG PU / LUANG POO" is classified for a old renowned monk; "LUANG TA" ( classified for becoming a monk at older age ) is less respectful that "LUANG PHO / LUANG PHOR"; "LUANG THERA" is classified for a man being a monk for 10 years. Source:- yianhoe.com
