Thailand Faces Annus Terribilis In 2005

[nogutsnoapplepie]

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Thailand may be "the land of smiles,'' but next year it faces more bloodshed in the Muslim-dominated south, quarrels with its neighbors, financial disarray, and a natural disaster. That's according to a high-profile soothsayer.

Chinese astrology calls 2005 the year of the rooster, but Thai fortuneteller Phinyo Phongchareon takes the image a step further, saying it will be the year of the "fighting cock'' for Thailand.

"Next year will be the rooster year and I think it will be a year of the fighting cock for Thailand, as the use of force is likely to intensify and there could be more bloodshed in the country,'' said Phinyo, who heads the International Astrological Association.

Many Thais consult with astrologers to guide them through spiritual, financial and personal problems. Phinyo made his predictions Thursday at a seminar devoted to the country's fortunes in 2005.

Phinyo, who is also a lawyer, predicted more violence in the Muslim-majority south, where more than 570 people have been killed in attacks this year blamed on a resurgent separatist rebellion. Muslims have long complained of discrimination in this Buddhist kingdom.

Phinyo also said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will bicker more with neighbors Indonesia and Malaysia. Officials in those two Muslim-dominated countries were infuriated recently when Thaksin claimed Thai Islamic militants were being trained in Malaysia and indoctrinated by Indonesian extremists.

Phinyo also warned of a big natural disaster in March, and another financial crisis. The Asian economic crisis started in Thailand in 1997, with the devaluation of the Thai currency, the baht.

And if the prime minister doesn't have enough future headaches, Phinyo forecast that although Thaksin's government will return to power in February elections, his party won't hold onto its majority.

Phinyo added that Thaksin often criticizes astrologers who paint gloomy pictures for his government but follows his own fortunetellers.-AP

[Darknight]

well that was a diffucult fortune telling 8)

My cat could have produced those views...

[tuky]

watch out all...