THE WIZARDS OF THE EAST (excerpts)
By Voranai Vanijaka
Bangkok Post October 31, 2010
In 2006, the armed forces and the not–so –mysterious element were complicit in the overthrow of the Thaksin Shinawatra government. They were confident that the coup would not fail. Why? Because famed Chiang Mai soothsayer Varin Buaviratlert said so. They had his blessing.
Varin is the man senior military officials seek for clarification on personal issues to matters deciding the fate of a nation.
The yellow shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy and Sondhi Limthongkul also have their potent black magic. They blinded holy statues and shrines at Government House before they stormed in, successfully. They used female sanitary towels to rub the foot of the monument of King Rama V to ward off black magic done by the red shirt United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship. The red shirt’s magic is also said to be strong.
The smashing of cooking pots in front of King Taksin’s monument. The use of the statue of King Naraesuan. The smearing of blood at Government House, at the Democratic Party’s headquarters and at the prime minister’s residence. The world thought it was a symbolic gesture. We Thais knew it was black magic...
Is there a man of power in Thailand that doesn’t consult the black arts? Who knows? One thing we do know is that every Wednesday the luxury cars of powerful men line the street in front of an office on Vibhavadi Road. The office belongs to a famous man – a prophet, soothsayer, wizard, witch doctor, astrologer, fortune-teller or whatever other name you might use....
The notorious Newin Chidchob, de facto leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, isn’t just a once-upon-a-time friend of Thaksin Shinawatra. He was also the former prime minister’s consultant in the black arts. Mr. Newin is reputed to be well-versed in Ancient Cambodian witchcraft. The force is strong within him.
Dear readers, today is Hallowen, and if you really want to understand Thai politics and learn what the future may hold, I am here to tell you. Journalist are clueless. Academics are lost. Analyst and pundits can’t help you.
If you want to know, find a witch or a wizard, grab a fortune-teller or an astrologer, go to famous temples that are reputed to have monks with the gift of forsight.
The decision-makers of Thailand do not make a move without consulting the black arts....
