Thai Astrologers See Fortune in Political Soothsaying
It may sound chaotic, but to those who support and work in Thailand’s fortunetelling industry, valued at some $74 million according to statistics supplied by Thai financial institution Kasikornbank to The Wall Street Journal, the country’s recent political woes are predetermined. The idea of fate serves as a spiritual tonic to Thais looking for guidance during uncertain times.
“Every time there’s a crisis in Thailand, it’s a glorious time for astrologers,” TV astrologer Luck Rakanithes told the Journal. Rakanithes runs a phone hotline offering a “prediction delivery system” into which callers dial their birth dates and the category of forecast they desire. The venture rakes in some $27,000 a month.
In a country whose culture is based largely on superstition, Thailand’s fortunetelling industry is beckoning new generations of university graduates with a future of financial promise. But to long-time local astrologers like Kenkgard Jongchiprah, tradition is being forfeited for hustle. He tells the Journal, “Before, it took years to build up a reputation as an astrologer. … But with television and the Internet and mobile phones, it seems all you have to do is make a lucky guess to hit the big time.”
Kenkgard is advocating an astrologer “code of conduct” for the country. Some time ago, he advised a former prime minister to lessen oversight on the industry, which was once regulated under the jurisdiction of the Thai monarchy. The current rise of the soothsaying sector is, apparently, a development Kenkgard didn’t see coming.
Thai Astrologers See Fortune in Political Soothsaying
