The amulet is named for two princes of the Srivijaya kingdom of southern Thailand, and is believed to provide protection and good fortune to the bearer.
Some legends hold that the name actually belongs to an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, whose worship was known in the south due to the presence of Mahayana Buddhism there during earlier eras.
During 2006, Jatukam Rammathep amulets began to grow wildly in popularity among Thais who believed in their ability to grant good fortune and solve personal problems.
[2] In April 2007, a woman died after being trampled in a rush to acquire reservations for a batch of Jatukam Rammathep amulets being produced at the Mahathat Woromaha Vihan temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
[3] Trucks with loudspeakers blare promotions for different series of amulets all day in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and colorful posters cover many walls.