[Global Post] Supernatural Thailand
[“It’s very embedded in the culture,” said Chris Baker, a Bangkok-based author and Thai political expert who has studied the role of supernaturalism in Thailand. “Most people don’t really question it. It’s like asking (Western politicians) if they believe in the Virgin Mary.”
Thai astrology often directs the timing of political endeavors. When deputy agriculture minister Supachai Phosu took office in May, employees born under the sign of the dog — the astrological rival to his sign, the monkey — were ordered to stay away from ministry headquarters. On his first day, his staffers were told to avoid wearing purple, red or orange and the minister stepped into his office at precisely 7:09 a.m., which carried some starry significance.][Bangkok Post] Q2 GDP likely to fall 5-6%
[The economy in the second quarter of this year is expected to contract five to six per cent but the fourth quarter should turn out positive, according to the Finance Ministry's latest forecast.]
BP: One can hope that the fourth quarter will turn out positive, but all forecasts so far up until now have been rosier than reality so one cannot be confident of positive growth in the fourth quarter.
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