September 2006
Rolling the Bones
It is a well-known fact that the superstitious first couple of Burma’s ruling junta, Snr-Gen Than Shwe and his wife Kyaing Kyaing, regularly seek advice from famous Burmese astrologers. Some Thai politicians are no different. Before making any major political decisions, they seek advice from astrologers and hold merit-making ceremonies.
Even Thailand’s embattled caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has admitted consulting with astrologers, presumably for advice on confounding his many critics and remaining in power. Persistent rumors in Bangkok hold that Thaksin and other government officials also regularly seek advice from a famous Burmese astrologer—ET, who lives in Thingangyun, a suburb of Rangoon—to ward off political foes and general misfortune in Thailand.
ET, short for E Thi, is a disabled Burmese woman whose speech impediment makes her virtually incomprehensible. Her sister translates ET’s blurry prognostications for those seeking her council.
Well-known Thai scholar Chai-Anan Samudavanija wrote in early August in the Thai-language newspaper Manager that many of the country’s top politicians consult ET, who regularly travels to Bangkok and who claims to have telepathic powers and the ability to foretell the future.
Thais may still harbor resentment towards Burma for its sacking of then-capital Ayutthaya in 1767, but they cannot resist the temptation to dabble in Burmese astrology and black magic.
Before overthrowing former prime minister Chatichai Choonhaven in February 1991, Thailand’s conspiring generals are rumored to have made a secret trip to Rangoon, where—at the suggestion of an astrologer—they made offerings at a temple in order to ensure a successful coup and to maintain “energy” from the temple.
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