JUSIPER

 
More Thailand

Posted by Sini

Meanwhile, some bad news: Thaksin may make a comeback.

The astrologer of the ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he had foreseen his demise - but also his return to power within little more than 18 months.

Phra Khru Wichitsuthakarn, 64, is the abbot of a monastery about two hours north of Bangkok, and one of the kingdom's foremost soothsayers.

His last consultation with Mr Thaksin was by telephone two weeks before the last week's coup removed him from power.

"When it's an important situation he will call me for a suggestion," the monk said in his office at Wat Khang Khao, or Bat Temple.

"I warned him before the coup to be careful; there will be enemies who want to attack you but they won't kill or hurt you. After this period, be careful of the revolution."

The abbot glossed over the fact that his advice had not saved the prime minister's job. "He couldn't stop the revolution happening. It has to happen this way," he said.

Phra Khru Wichitsuthakarn said Mr Thaksin's unpopularity would wane from April 16 next year, "and he will be the prime minister again".

His prediction will be carefully noted by Thais, the majority of whom subscribe to various superstitions. The monk said that General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the coup leader, visited him some years ago.

12:11 AM |