Amulets were on sale all over Thailand, and they appeared to be very popular with Thais. They acquire "magical" properties due to a combination of materials, subject matter, creators, age and blessings. We suspect blessing amulets provides income to some monasteries. Some Thais accumulate and wear many, hoping they will each provide a little additional protection or luck. One Thai Army general requires his men always to wear an army-issued amulet for protection.