Culture
Amulet Expert Poj Tha Phra Chan Addresses Gold Coin Swap Controversy
Prominent Thai amulet expert Poj Tha Phra Chan has addressed allegations regarding a gold coin swap, confirming a staff error occurred during the appraisal process.
A controversy involving a 9-million-baht gold amulet has emerged in Thailand’s specialized collectibles market. According to Khaosod Online, allegations surfaced online claiming that a gold coin was swapped during a professional appraisal process.
Poj Tha Phra Chan, a well-known figure in the amulet community, addressed the incident via a live stream. He acknowledged that his team made a mistake by leaving a gold coin inside a percentage-testing machine. Poj confirmed that he has since reached a settlement with the coin's owner, purchasing the item for 9 million baht. The owner has reportedly accepted the explanation, stating they do not intend to pursue legal action and confirming their belief that Poj was not personally involved in the swap.
Despite this, the incident has drawn scrutiny from other industry figures. Pong Suphan, another prominent expert, raised questions regarding photographic evidence showing that one of 14 coins was allegedly replaced with a copper version.
For residents and collectors, this incident highlights the risks associated with high-value transactions in the unregulated amulet market. While the immediate dispute appears resolved, the broader implications regarding the security of items during professional appraisals remain a topic of discussion. It is not yet confirmed if further investigations will be launched by industry bodies or if additional discrepancies exist among the other coins mentioned in the photographic evidence.