Hundreds of Thai citizens are lining up outside the Wat Prommanee temple every day. Not for any traditional Buddhist services, but for
a chance to spend a short while in a pink coffin.
How trendy.
For the nominal fee of 180 baht (approximately US$5.63), anyone wishing to cleanse themselves of their past can climb into one of the coffins, have a monk chant a dirge over their body, and reemerge born again from the "death" of their old self a minute and a half later. Nine coffins have been lined up in the great hall in an effort to streamline the procedure.
A new film in cinemas,
The Coffin, deals with similar funeral practices for the living. Writer-director Ekachai Uekrongtham is hardly surprised at the sudden interest. "When the economy is down, we latch our hopes onto some supernatural power." The film is a supernatural thriller in which the lead characters go through a similar ritual.
Visitors of all ages have taken a turn at resurrection, even the entire Royal Thai Army football team. It's all about gaining an advantage in life or seeking out remedies for their illnesses. Customers report a feeling of well-being upon emerging from their "grave". But just to be safe, you can purchase amulets, lucky charms, and even fortunetelling to be doubly sure.
Rebecca Muller, the clairvoyant and researcher I've had the pleasure of communicating with throughout last year, has done a little spring cleaning in her life. A new home... and new career path. The paranormal aspect of her life has been frozen, "for now". What does the future hold? That remains a mystery, as it does for most of us. But for the time being, there are other things of higher importance.
Her absence will be missed. She's an all-around good soul and Columbus will be a bit emptier without her and her husband. But I wish them all the success and happiness in the world. And who knows; the future isn't written in stone. Perhaps a few more spooks will pique her interest further down the road...
