Political turmoil seems written in the stars this year

They may point to different planets and factors but most astrologers and academics who gathered for a seminar on the Kingdom's fate agree that political instability will continue for the rest of the year.

Blame Jupiter, renowned fortune-teller Luck Rekhanithet told the seminar "Astrology, Politics and the Economy of Thailand in 2007".

It was held at King Prajadhipok's Institute yesterday.

The heavenly body, known as the "lucky planet", has been on an unruly path since October 22 last year and will remain there until November 16, he said. This has weakened Thailand's main institutions, the astrologer explained.

At the same time, the "devils" Saturn and Rahu (a lunar node) are in influential positions, which could result in an upsurge in disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and collapsing dams, he warned.

When the planets were aligned as they are now - in 1970, 1981 and 1995 - chaos occurred, he noted.

Luck had bad news for the current political leaders.

"Even after the new constitution is drafted, no leader of the surviving political parties will be able to run the country, neither Abhisit Vejjajiva nor Banharn Silapa-archa," he said.

Thailand would have to wait for a "new leader" to emerge.

A "brave" leader will show up in 2011, Luck said, adding that women will be the saviours of Thailand.

Turmoil will reign until the brave leader arrives. Speculators will trigger a stock market crash some time after August 10 and the market will remain in the cellar for two-and-a-half years, Luck said.

Though he blamed Pluto rather than Jupiter, Walailak University lecturer Jessada Lohaunchit agreed that political turmoil in Thailand was a result of planetary interference. He said he had forecast Pluto's influence would lead to dissolution of parliament.

According to astrology, the political and economic situations will face upheaval next year, while this year they will remain stable, the university lecturer said.

The political situation will intensify again in 2010, specifically in regard to the constitution and parliament, while the economy will be hit as well, Jessada said.

Thailand was experiencing "structural demolition", he said.

It needs a leader who would dare to reform the country while astrological forces were demolishing it, he said.

Without such a leader "serious conflict" would occur to force Thailand to change, he said.

The academic forecast that the political situation may not improve this year but said the sort of crisis that occurred last year would not be repeated. The government would face pressure during next month and March.

International Astrology president Pinyo Pongjareon said ancient Songkran forecasts described the year ahead as on full of "wicked things".

Thais can expect political chaos, fires, an upsurge in crime and a slew of natural disasters, he warned, identifying the period between April 30 to May 2 as "risky".

Pinyo was the fortune-teller who provided the junta with an auspicious date for a coup - September 19.

Professor Chai-anan Samuda-vanija, a member of the National Legislative Assembly, said he was paying attention to the influence of astrology and fortune on politics this year.

He warned the government to be mindful of opposition from a person outside the country who had a long-term goal of forming a government with the assistance of foreign countries.

The fate of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra was to be the country's destroyer, Chaianan said.

Unlike his peers, astrologer Pisal Puechmongkol was upbeat.

Thailand had succeeded in driving away bad luck after the stock market lost Bt800 billion in capitalisation on December 19.

"The bad luck is over," he said.

The unrest in the South will be brought to an end if negotiations with insurgents occur in April, he advised.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn,

Chatrarat Kaewmorakot

The Nation Thailand
Sunday January 28, 2007