Prayuth Chan-ocha (below), the Thai army officer who led a military coup against the government earlier this year, handpicked his legislature, and was (surprise!) unanimously chosen by them to be the country’s new Prime Minister last month, isn’t exactly a great role model.

Stepping away from how he obtained office, his belief in superstitious bullshit makes U.S. politicians seem almost secular in comparison:

Like many politicians and generals before him, Prayuth believes in spiritualism and divination and on Monday members of his entourage were seen carrying Buddha statues and religious idols thought to bring luck in to Government House. But his beliefs go beyond conventional religion, and last week, Prayuth told an audience of dousing himself from head to toe in holy water as his enemies had tried to curse him. … Furniture in Prayuth’s designated office has been arranged according to the principles of feng shui, a Chinese form of geomancy or belief that the universe is made up of five elements — earth, water, fire, wood and metal. “Prayuth’s work table has been placed in the east of the work room as this is thought to aid quick solutions,” a prime ministerial aide, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to media, told Reuters.

Good luck, Thailand. In everything. You’re going to need it.

(Image via Wikipedia. Thanks to Scott for the link)



