Ghosts, fortune telling and superstitions remain an integral part of the local culture in Thailand.
While ghost hunting shows and paranormal investigations might have
become increasingly commonplace in the West over the last few years, our
obsession with all things paranormal comes nowhere close to matching
the level to which beliefs in the supernatural have become ingrained in
Thailand's society and culture.
From its remote rural regions to
its biggest cities, everywhere you go in Thailand you will find at least
some reference to ghosts, spirits, fortune telling or a multitude of
other esoteric subjects.
Even high profile political figures and
military generals take the time to consult a seer before making a big
decision and fortune tellers are used by everyone from students to
business owners.
When an image of the former Prime Minister,
Samak Sundhornvej, appeared on a screen shortly after his death in 2009
many political figures believed it to have been a visit from beyond the
grave.
"The spirit of Mr. Samak came back to say goodbye," the speaker of Parliament said at the time.
Not
everyone is happy with the way things are however. Science professor
Jessada Denduangboripant of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok is
involved in a campaign to protest against what an increasing body of
scientists are describing as an over reliance of pseudoscience.
"We’ve
been told since childhood there are ghosts everywhere," he said. "You
can have an iPhone and technology all around you. But you still stick to
superstition."
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