webfact Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Thailand: Land of smiles, land of ghosts AFP BANGKOK: -- From exorcism ceremonies to spirit houses and amulets claiming to make wearers bullet-proof, Thailand is a culture soaked in superstition -- an obsession critics say is holding the nation back. On a popular episode of "Humans defy ghosts" -- a weekly Thai TV programme that delves into the supernatural -- a two-year-old girl who survived three days next to the dead body of her mother was asked a series of questions by one of the show's panellists. "Who prepared your milk?" Kapol Thongplab enquired. "Who played with you? Who opened the door?" "Mummy," the little girl replied, as genuinely convinced as her adult interlocutors that her mother's ghost continued to sustain her in those harrowing days. In Thailand, a show like this is more than just entertainment. "In all countries, people believe in the afterlife," Kapol, one of Thailand's most famous ghost experts, tells AFP. "Westerners may believe in Satan. In the nations of Southeast Asia, we believe in ghosts. This kind of belief helps people refrain from doing bad things. Mr A may think 'If I kill Mr B, he may become a ghost and come back to haunt me'." The spirit world is everywhere in Thailand where animism and folk beliefs are deeply infused with Buddhism. Most buildings boast a 'spirit house' -- a shrine placed in an auspicious corner of a property where offerings can be made to appease ghosts lest they turn malevolent. From time to time Thailand's notoriously fractious politics also draw on the occult. Competing camps have openly used black magic curses against each other while protesters often deck themselves out in amulets that they believe make them impervious to bullets or harm. - Misplaced faith - But some Thais say they are fed up with what they describe as naive superstitions that lead their countrymen to make poor decisions or leave them vulnerable to exploitation. AFP met one man, who wished to remain anonymous, leading an Internet campaign against Thai beliefs in ghosts. The man, who goes by the pseudonym "FuckGhosts" and runs a popular Facebook page with the same name, recently caused uproar when he posted a photograph of himself stepping on a row of zebra figurines at a busy road junction in Bangkok known for fatal crashes. Zebra statues are a common sight at accident spots due to the belief that their stripes -- which remind people of pedestrian crossings -- will fend off the unhappy ghosts of previous traffic victims that many believe cause new crashes. "I thought about destroying them, but there is CCTV. I am afraid society would not accept it," he told AFP. The man's main gripe -- which has received significant support on his Facebook page -- is that Thais would rather put their faith in statues and amulets than take concrete steps to reduce personal risk, such as driving more safely. "These kind of beliefs keep Thailand an underdeveloped country," he fumes. Thailand has the second-highest traffic fatality rate in the world, with 44 deaths per 100,000 population, according to a 2014 study based on World Health Organization figures. But while drivers cover their cars with protective trinkets to keep safe, many still speed and drink-drive. Mototaxis are laden with amulets but those at the wheel rarely use helmets, and often overload passengers. The "FGhosts" campaign appears to be having a partial effect, with authorities in January removing hundreds of statues that had built up around the accident black spot -- known locally as "Kong Roi Sop", the curve that claims 100 lives. But the removal could only go ahead once a Buddhist monk had initiated a ceremony making sure any evil spirits would leave the area. "At the beginning, the workers were quite concerned," admitted Supit Kraimak, head of the local sanitation department. "But after the monk chanted, they felt more comfortable about the job." - Lucrative business - For much of Thailand's soothsayers, astrologers and its huge monastic network, belief in the superstitious is also undoubtedly lucrative. Exorcisms, protective spells and trinkets are all readily available at a price, while books and films about haunting spirits are hugely popular. Businesses often pay monks to make annual visits to chase away evil spirits. Thais believe a violent or unexpected death is more likely to result in the creation of an angry ghost when a soul departs. And few ghosts are more famous than "Nak", a woman who Thais believe lived in Bangkok in the nineteenth century and died during childbirth while her husband was away fighting a war. There are many versions of the story, but in general they all describe how the husband returned to find his wife seemingly still alive. Nak was so devoted to him that she had remained as a ghost, but became a malevolent spirit when her husband discovered the truth and ran away. "On the eve of a lottery, this temple is open all night," reads the sign on a shrine dedicated to Nak in Bangkok where locals make offerings to the ghost asking for cures, good luck and exemption from military service. Fortune-tellers ply their trade outside the shrine and devotees also release fish, turtles and frogs into a nearby canal to earn "merit". According to the merchants selling the animals, the release of an eel will bring professional success and a frog can reduce sins. The head of the temple declined to be questioned by AFP. But those visiting were convinced their offerings to Nak would be rewarded. "I believe in her and I believe in ghosts," said Netnaran Janvanu, a young mother at the temple, before adding matter-of-factly: "My friends believe in ghosts too." -- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-02-02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackfish64 Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Aha... this piece explains a few things about the Thai, to be sure. Thank you, AFP! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted February 2, 2015 Author Share Posted February 2, 2015 one post removed for technical reasons /Admin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Costas2008 Posted February 2, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 2, 2015 The Thai translation for ghost is "pillock" That's what I keep telling my wife that believes in ghosts and the supernatural. At the moment I'm safe.....she believes I am referring to ghosts........... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannot Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Most people are idjuts and follow like sheep after they have been indoctrinated at birth ( child abuse) with religion etc etc Thailand excels in it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post kannot Posted February 2, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 2, 2015 The Thai translation for ghost is "pillock" That's what I keep telling my wife that believes in ghosts and the supernatural. At the moment I'm safe.....she believes I am referring to ghosts........... I hope u dont believe in God then Costas as i see no difference. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannot Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 "Thailand has the second-highest traffic fatality rate in the world, with 44 deaths per 100,000 population, according to a 2014 study based on World Health Organization figures. But while drivers cover their cars with protective trinkets to keep safe, many still speed and drink-drive. Mototaxis are laden with amulets but those at the wheel rarely use helmets, and often overload passengers." Even when faced with the facts they cling on to this drivel.............thats the most "amazing" thing but its not limited to Thailand, all religions have this junk. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Blackfish64 Posted February 2, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 2, 2015 Agreed. I don't get on with or without God, God's, ghosts, goblins, apparitions, spirits, Devils, reincarnation, heaven, hell, and so on. The entire discussion is useless any way one looks at it. But, of course we all know there is life after death. And how we know this to be true is that when you're gone the world goes on living without you. Lol. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangsitreppin Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 land of the simple op who tink to mutt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmarZaidMD Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Excellent. Thank You ... You should write a book. Give the history and regional particulars and how it is that Thai Buddhism adopted and perpetuate this idolatry .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maidee Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 i guess the killing & robbings and ghost do not apply for robbing, killing FARANGS, only other thais 200-500 baht fine plus a promise TO NEVER DO IT AGAIN mr. policeman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wabothai Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Pithacon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookee68 Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 If being a fool makes idiots happy, then let them carry on, I sure as hell would not put my life in the hands of a piece of gold or stone, neither would my Thai wife, And the Satan bit, well Thai people also believe in going to hell, Nar Lock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benmart Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 The Thai translation for ghost is "pillock" That's what I keep telling my wife that believes in ghosts and the supernatural. At the moment I'm safe.....she believes I am referring to ghosts........... I hope u dont believe in God then Costas as i see no difference. I prefer to leave people to believe or not to believe in anything. It's not my business to hope for them in this issue. Live and Let Live. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill1369 Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Agreed. I don't get on with or without God, God's, ghosts, goblins, apparitions, spirits, Devils, reincarnation, heaven, hell, and so on. The entire discussion is useless any way one looks at it. But, of course we all know there is life after death. And how we know this to be true is that when you're gone the world goes on living without you. Lol. Mark Twain said: "I was dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, without the slightest inconvenience to myself". I suspect that applies at the other end as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outsider Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Not sure about ghosts and things that go bump at night, but the smiles are somewhat on a continued decline, that's for sure. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emilymat Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Referring to the OP. How on earth do you question a 2 year old and expect sensible answers? Someone on this forum once indicated that some Thai's drive their motorbikes without lights, to avoid ghosts chasing them. I thought that was a bit 'dodgy' but I'm now beginning to believe it a bit more. I hope I hit the ghost before the bike. At least that would avoid hospital bills, given I'm bound to be in the wrong. Mind you, there could be a ghost hospital....now I'm being stupid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
empireboy Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 All kinds of spirits (alcoholic excepted) are FABRICATIONS of the strong to control the weak.The best minds and science anywhere in the world has NEVER shown any credible proof to the contrary! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tredz Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Thailand : Land of smile, may be 10years ago but no more now ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krisb Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 I like Thai superstition. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krisb Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Thailand : Land of smile, may be 10years ago but no more now ! Why's everyone so down on Thailand like this? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJIC Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 As for quantity of population that still believe in Ghosts and the spirit world, IMO Thailand is at least 50 years behind the west! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Referring to the OP. How on earth do you question a 2 year old and expect sensible answers? Someone on this forum once indicated that some Thai's drive their motorbikes without lights, to avoid ghosts chasing them. I thought that was a bit 'dodgy' but I'm now beginning to believe it a bit more. I hope I hit the ghost before the bike. At least that would avoid hospital bills, given I'm bound to be in the wrong. Mind you, there could be a ghost hospital....now I'm being stupid! Absolutely you're not. A friend who had surgery in a Chiang Mai hospital, had a very strange experience post op. He likened it afterwards to feeling suffocated and not being able to breathe. A nurse was called at the time as he was waving his arms around etc, you could see that something wasn't right. It was 2am and we asked the nurse if she would call the doctor and her reply was to leave it a while as the doctor is sleeping and it could be the ghost of the hospital bothering him and it will move on. Now I know that sounds ridiculous and I'm inclined to think the nurse was just fearful of waking the doctor, but I am assured by a Thai person who was there that she was deadly serious about the ghost and I wonder how many people don't get the service they need because of this sort of thing......go figure? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Britannia Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 They don't drive the motorbike with no lights on to avoid ghost chasing them, it's to preserve the battery so it doesn't wear out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy chef 1 Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 The Thai translation for ghost is "pillock" That's what I keep telling my wife that believes in ghosts and the supernatural. At the moment I'm safe.....she believes I am referring to ghosts........... Uncle C ...stay out of the news section and come back to the pub...we need you there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZBill Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Who's to say? Is it any more silly than believing a man walked out of his tomb after 3 days? What we call superstitions are often rooted in fact. The truth is none of us really know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trainman34014 Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 (edited) When i tell Thai's that in my 69 years on the Planet i have never seen, heard or encountered a Ghost in any way shape or form they think i am telling them lies. Even a ten year old kid told me last week they saw two Ghost's in the past week so i asked him if he would kindly take me to where they were so that i could see them but he said he wouldn't go back there because he was scared of them ! Those who fill kids minds with this shit have much to answer for. Edited February 2, 2015 by trainman34014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wileycoyote Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 I'm open minded Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScarpoFongness4U Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Belief in spirits is not limited to Thailand It would be foolish not to believe on ghosts It is more how that is defined, than whether or not they exist and what their purpose is Anyone with an ex wife has seen a woman possessed or of, an evil spirit There are many spirits engaged in the physical world, What they are or are not doing here and moving people in one behavior or another is a lengthy topic, and certainly not a message board subject 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maynard420 Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 It's a culture so let it be, I am a American and I wear a amulet for good luck and a healthy life, it is just a comfort blanket for them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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