Thai govt combats drought with rain-summoning ceremony

[webfact]

Thai Govt Combats Drought With Rain-Summoning Ceremony
By Khaosod English


A rain-summoning ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Bangkok on 2 June 2015.

BANGKOK — Thailand's military government turned to supernatural forces yesterday in an effort to stave off the annual droughts that occur during Thailand's dry season.

Chavalit Chookajorn, Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperatives, presided over a traditional Thai ceremony asking Phra Pirun - the god of rain in Hindi beliefs - to bless the Kingdom with rain.

The Secretary was assisted by Sorajja Nual-yu, a well-known astrologer who styles himself as "Thailand's Nostradamus."

Speaking to reporters today, Chavalit said Sorajja, who used to work at the Ministry of Agriculture, warned that a severe drought is imminent.

"Brother Chui has the sixth sense," Chavalit said, referring to Sorajja by his nickname. "He told me that there will certainly be a drought this year. So he wanted the Ministry to conduct a ceremony to ask for rain."

Thailand experiences droughts every year during dry season, which lasts from November to April.

"Personally, I think it's a good thing," Chavalit said, in reference to the ceremony. "It's not a superstition. It doesn't hurt if we do the ceremony. It's about finding something your spirit can hold on to."

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1433310925


-- Khaosod English 2015-06-03

[bboy]

Logical course of action. Plus another technical demonstration of agricultural expertise for the international community : - )

[Pimay1]

The Secretary was assisted by Sorajja Nual-yu, a well-known astrologer who styles himself as "Thailand's Nostradamus."

The Secretary went on to say Sorajja won 234 consecutive lotteries before he was banned from playing the lottery.

[Pimay1]

If Phra Pirun doesn't come through they can always call the professionals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2e1515l7Tc

[Basil B]

Surprised they did not go down to pick up a few quality tourists around Graces Hotel who have "Rain Maker" as a listed occupation to come and dance for them.

[pinkpanther99]

I can't believe Govt officials are wasting their time with this hokum.

I mean really. This is like reading a story from The Onion.

[toybits]

In another news, Mr. P. asks people not to believe in a fortune tellers prediction.... I am confounded; bewildered; confused; perplexed.

[docshock13]

This place is like an acid trip....without the acid.

[Thaddeus]

If Phra Pirun doesn't come through they can always call the professionals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2e1515l7Tc

Or maybe someone should tell them.....

[Borzandy]

I can't believe Govt officials are wasting their time with this hokum.

I mean really. This is like reading a story from The Onion.

Govt officials are not wasting their time, they are doing the only thing they are able to do. Remember Thailand is a third world with a third world Govt officials.

[apetley]

Rain making ceremony........at the start of the rainy season.

Sort of win win if you ask me.

[maidee]

i really hope it rains soon, as all those garbage burners are in full operational mode just before the rainy season

you gotto love thailand and their thainess, to ask the spirits for rain

[timmyp]

>the god of rain in Hindi beliefs

"Hindu beliefs". Hindi is a language, not a religion.

[upena]

Been raining in Khon Kaen past 3 days. Ceremony redundant

[coulson]

"Brother Chui has the sixth sense,"

The sense of balance? good for him..........

[h90]

For the lucky number of 937.647,32 Baht transferred on my bank account I make magic to have rain. I guarantee rain within 2 weeks, else I issue full refund.

[Lupatria]

The Secretary was assisted by Sorajja Nual-yu, a well-known astrologer who styles himself as "Thailand's Nostradamus."

The Secretary went on to say Sorajja won 234 consecutive lotteries before he was banned from playing the lottery.

Now that makes him an expert!

But before any Thai bashing takes place- let's all be happy they don't sacrifice virgins anymore to summon rain.

[Asiantravel]

I'm sorry but Brother Chui is at least one year late with his prediction on this matter!

I distinctly remember the ordinary meteorologists (without supernatural powers ) warned about this at least 12 months ago

[whatawonderfulday]

This just about sums up the intelligence of the government and its Elite supporters. Stupid and ignorant.

[apetley]

The Secretary was assisted by Sorajja Nual-yu, a well-known astrologer who styles himself as "Thailand's Nostradamus."

The Secretary went on to say Sorajja won 234 consecutive lotteries before he was banned from playing the lottery.

Now that makes him an expert!

But before any Thai bashing takes place- let's all be happy they don't sacrifice virgins anymore to summon rain.

Only coz they're near impossible to find.

[Araiwa]

quote start----"Brother Chui has the sixth sense," Chavalit said, referring to Sorajja by his nickname. "He told me that there will certainly be a drought this year. So he wanted the Ministry to conduct a ceremony to ask for rain." Thailand experiences droughts every year during dry season, which lasts from November to April.-----quote end

Brother Chui is the man! Chavalit and Brother Chui together are the new rainmaking think tank of Thailand. Gotta go check my fridge. Only 2 bottles of beer left. I predict a drought from 7 pm onwards.

[Lunchbob]

We already have a huge deficit in rainfall, Nostradamus.

[saminoz]

The Secretary was assisted by Sorajja Nual-yu, a well-known astrologer who styles himself as "Thailand's Nostradamus."

The Secretary went on to say Sorajja won 234 consecutive lotteries before he was banned from playing the lottery.

Now that makes him an expert!

But before any Thai bashing takes place- let's all be happy they don't sacrifice virgins anymore to summon rain.

Only because they can't find any!!

[saminoz]

Buddhism was the second choice of religion for Thailand. They were meant to be Christians but they couldn't rustle up three wise men and a virgin!

[keithcresswell]

Don't knock it..... every time I clean my car it rains.

[wow64]

Thinks this worked.. it rained today.. should have one everyday.

[northernphil]

Thinks this worked.. it rained today.. should have one everyday.

A dark gloom appeared in the west today , by 3.30 the rains came . By 3.40 the rains ceased . Never mind the rain summoning ceremony must of taken a somtam break. keep it up lads try to get it to rain before the rainy season starts in 2 weeks. Gosh ,here it comes.

[JAG]

Its working - p*ss*ng down in Chiang Rai at the moment!

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

In the real world we call it an El Nino and its coming.

[Fullstop]

Meanwhile in "News you will never see"...

"President Obama performs Native American Rain Dance in drought stricken Kansas corn fields."