In 2006, Astrologer Warin not only predicted the coup, but discovered that General Sonthi was the reincarnation of a general under King Taksin and hence destined to “save the nation.”
Earlier this year, some people entered the Phanom Rung complex at night, moved and broke an elaborate bull-and-lingam, defaced the mouths of eleven naga snakes, damaged two lions, and broke the hands on two guardian spirits. This vandalism was interpreted as an attempt to use spiritual forces in the current political battle.
Back in 2005, many politicians visited Burma to hear the predictions of a sage dubbed ‘E.T.’ whose party trick was to reveal the serial numbers on bank notes hidden in her client’s pockets.
The wife of an earlier Thai prime minister traveled everywhere with a toy elephant in a frilly dress to ward off threats to her husband.
The spirits and the stars have a large role in Thai politics. Indeed that role seems to be growing. Several mystics have a practice specializing in politics, and issue predictions on almost a daily basis. The senior economic adviser to the government is a keen astrologer.
What is the background to these beliefs, and why are they so important?
A new book will also be launched at this lecture, and available at a discount price.
Dr. Pasuk Phongpaichit is professor of economics at Chulalongkorn University.
Dr. Chris Baker is a write, editor, and translator. Together they have written widely on Thai affairs including A History of Thailand, Thailand’s Boom and Bust, and Thaksin: The Business of Politics in Thailand.
พระบรมราชูปถัมภ์
