The chanting came to a close, and a senior monk took his place in front of a metal press, having the privilege of striking off the first amulet.

Finished, he stood up cupping the newly minted Jatukam medallion in the palm of his hand for all to see. People crowded around to gape and take pictures as if it were an exotic and fabulously expensive rare jewel. Another Buddha symbol was born.

There are many theories that try to explain the enormous popularity of the Jatukam medallions in Thailand at this time in its history.

Some people swear their medallion saved them from death or serious injury. Some say the fever is symptomatic of the “confused state of Thai Buddhism,” to quote the English language newspaper, The Nation. Some argue that Thais are feeling insecure given the country’s political turmoil and the aging of their beloved King, so they seek out objects they think can bring them good fortune.

Others point to the role of the monks, who, they say, debase Buddhism to reap enormous profits from medallion sales, which dwarf the traditional temple trinkets by a huge margin.

Finally, one has to consider advertising and the glossy, four-color catalogues touting the latest medallion models complete with the numbers of each edition and the prices.

And there is also the simple excitement and belief of one young woman at the City Pillar who struggled to say in her limited English why she was so happy to be present at the consecration of a new Jatukam amulet.

“It gives you everything,” she said.