Is ‘Black Magic’ involved in the Recent Thailand Blood Spilling Incident?

The leaders of the red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) created ceremonies to spill blood at the entrances to the seat of government, it was intended as a powerful curse.

Leaders including Thaksin are said to have consulted astrologers
It could also be seen as an act to counter the perceived illegitimacy of that government - and Mr Abhisit who leads it - when the blood was spilled outside his home.

That is not how the government chose to see it, of course.



"The world sees some people in Thailand as believers in black magic and as uncivilised," said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of national security.

"Blood is a symbol of violence and hurling it at the house is saddening. The prime minister is speechless over this incident," a minister in the prime minister's office, Satit Wongnhongtaey, told reporters.

But just as the red rallies were kicking off at the beginning of the week, one local paper chose to give most of its page two over to a feature about a veteran policeman proudly showing off his collection of amulets and the supernatural forces he calls into play to help solve crimes.

Days of the week are associated with particular colours, certain numbers are significant and layers of symbolism abound.

One red-shirt protester told the BBC he felt his donation of blood was akin to forging a bond of blood brotherhood with fellow protesters as ancient warriors have done.

But the point of politicians employing certain rituals, Drs Pasuk and Baker say, is to harness and accumulate power.

"The ability to influence events through supernatural forces is a form of power."



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