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December 2, 2008 8:45:11 PM CST

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Politics, Stars Align for Thai Fortunetellers

Posted Sep 15, 08 3:02 PM CDT in Business,  World 

(Newser) – Fortunetelling, always a big part of Thai culture, is bigger business than ever now, the Wall Street Journal reports. As political unrest buffets the country, an automated telephone astrology service run by a seer known as Mr. Luck is flourishing. "Every time there's a crisis in Thailand, it's a glorious time for astrologers," Mr. Luck says. But some say he's corrupting an ancient tradition.

In Thailand, it's common to consult an astrologer—top politicians and military leaders do it. And Mr. Luck makes it easy. Callers enter their birth dates, pick a topic, and get a prediction. But old-school astrologers are critical. "Before, it took years to build up a reputation as an astrologer," gripes one of Mr. Luck's rivals, who wants to regulate the industry.

Source Wall Street Journal

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A fortuneteller sleeps while waiting for customers Nov. 16, 2007, in downtown Bangkok.   (AP Photo)
Mr. Luck is a fixture on Thai TV and sells about 300,000 books a year.   ((c) Napalm filled tires)
As political unrest continues in Thailand, an automated astrology service run by a seer known as Mr. Luck is flourishing.   ((c) El.Sol.En.Mi.Corazón)
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Astrology is much more subtle than today's fortunetellers make out, but nowadays people want definite answers. - Kengkard Jongchaiprah, veteran astrologer

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http://www.thailandlife.com/fortunetelling.htm

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