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Written by Wadee Kheourai
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The Thai way of life is based upon
Buddhist religious beliefs as well as the animistic elements of Brahmanism
and folklore. As a result, religion has become a mixture of philosophical,
 mythical
and supernatural elements, all of which deeply influence one's way of
life. Just as some people go to see the doctors to treat their physical
ailments, some Thais go to fortune - tellers (Maw Du), the all seeing
doctor to cure their spiritual ills. and prevent future maladies. Fortune
- tellers are engaged to give auspicious names to a baby according to
his exact birth calculations. Weddings, investments, travel, car purchases,
building construction, traveling and other significant decisions in
life, are all directed by the fortune - teller. There are many forms
of fortune - telling: palm reading, star charts, playing cards, physical
features, spirit mediums and high - tech computerised fortune - telling.
Fortune - tellers can be found in many places - under the shade of the
trees like the tamarind trees around Phramane Ground, next to the Grand
Palace, in the markets, in the hotel lobbies and plazas, etc. Most can
be identified by small altars with offerings of flowers and lighted
incense dedicated to various deities who have given them with the skill
and knowledge of this art.
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Information from: "Thai
Studies Through Games" Book 2 by Assist. Prof. Wadee Kheourai.
Pictures copyright: Panrit "Gor" Daoruang.
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