The Crime Suppression and Technology Crime Suppression divisions of the Royal Thai Police have been ordered to launch a crackdown on mediums, especially ones involved in confidence tricks that involve people handing over money in return for alleged spiritual benefits.
The nationwide crackdown will initially involve police approaching mediums to tell them to stop the practice but where people had been tricked by the mediums, legal action will be pursued. Any mediums found to be claiming to be linked to the Royal Family will come in for particular attention.
Interestingly, Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Thitirat Nongharnpitak is quoted by Thai PBS as calling the practice “un-Buddhist,” despite Thailand being a country that has adopted a number of animist beliefs into its practice of Theravada Buddhism, particularly a widespread belief in ghosts and auspicious signs.
