LOOKING TO THE STARS FOR SECRET TO A CHARMED LIFE

Astrology courses gaining in popularity

Story by NAOWARAT SUKSAMRAN

Modern Thais are increasingly attracted to astrology and trying to understand the mystery behind the movements of celestial bodies believed to influence human behaviour.

Many people try to master astrology in the hope they can use it to lead a charmed life and escape unlucky situations that might lie in wait.

Astrology courses are gaining in popularity. A non-formal education centre in Don Muang, for example, offers an 18-month course and more than 2,000 people have already enrolled. Astrology is also taught at private institutions.

Natesini Khamdee, 40, signed up for the course at Don Muang and persuaded her two sons to take the course too.

She plans to migrate overseas, where she wants to earn a living as an astrologer and by practising Thai traditional medicine.

A divorcee, she has looked after her children alone for more than 10 years. Her life took a cruel twist when she became partially paralysed and found herself deeply in debt.

''I invested a lot money in building a resort and trading in wine, but now I am bankrupt,'' she said.

Mrs Natesini said she tended to readily believe what others told her, but since she took up astrology she has been able to decide on appropriate courses of action herself. Being an astrologer could be a lucrative profession, she said.

Another student who gave his name as Kan said he decided to enrol in the course after he was deceived by self-proclaimed fortune tellers whom he now realises were just leading him on.

A trader in motorcycle spare parts, he said he paid 2,000 baht for advice, and the fortune teller suggested a name change would improve his life.

''When I presented a list of new names and asked him to pick a good one for me, he just said any name on the list should do the trick.

''I lost 2,000 baht for nothing. The fortune teller did not do anything,'' Kan said.

Kim said he spent a lot of money seeking solace in fortune tellers.

''Then I realised that instead of losing money to fortune tellers, it would be better to become an astrologer myself to earn some money,'' he said. So he also enrolled in the non-formal course at Don Muang.

Suvari Phumiparo, or Ajarn Pui, works at the centre as an assistant instructor.

A popular astrologer, he also runs his own telephone counselling service.

''Most people ask about love, education, work,'' he said, adding that astrology can provide people with guidelines on how to chart future plans.

Por Liampetcharat is the chief instructor.

Born into a family of notable astrologers, he is widely respected by past and present students.

His ancestors provided counsel for both foreign and local dignitaries in the past, he said.

Mr Por said there are rules for making astrological forecasts.

They must avoid making gloomy predictions which could make a client's heart sink, such as death or social chaos.

Forecasts about family conflict involving husbands and wives are also forbidden.

He said people will continue to turn to astrologers for advice as long as they are curious and uncertain about their future.

Darinee Nantaworanuj, of the Don Muang non-formal education centre, said the astrology course started in 2000.

The centre had to work hard to convince the Education Ministry to allow the course to be included in the curriculum.

''We had to give 30 hours of demonstration classes before ministry officials were convinced the course was not designed to train people to deceive or take advantage of others,'' she said.

An English-language astrology course is also taught at the centre.

Astrology courses are likely to be launched at non-formal education centres in other areas.

Some graduates tell fortunes as a sideline and can earn up to 12,000 baht a month, Ms Darinee said.

Bangkok Post

Monday April 09, 2007