A Thai police in the northern province of Nakhon Phanom province became an online star on social media for all the best reasons. The incident highlights the deep spirituality and very real belief of spirits in Thailand. It is not uncommon for police and authorities to respond to calls from the public and even community leaders when fear takes hold.
The actions of the police officer in tending to the afflicted woman have won him praise and admiration. In that region, animistic traditions are deeply embedded in culture and the belief systems of the people, who are also devout Buddhists. The family had grown deeply concerned at the vivid nature of the visions that the woman was reporting to them at home. It is reported to devour the internal organs of living creatures.
It is not uncommon for Thai people, when confronted by what they consider to be spirits or a threats from the spirit world to summon the services of their police force. The faith of Thai people in their police service is, in fact, quite high among law abiding Thai people. The Chief of Police at the local Pathum Ratchawongsa police station responded positively to the request. He explained to the media that public confidence was critical to good policing.
Similar to the case on Monday night, locals organised a village service conducted by Thai monks to conduct prayers to remove the spirit from their midst. On Monday evening, the police captain took the reports and fears of the household more than seriously. He spoke quietly to the woman possessed by the spirit and used the Isan dialect to communicate with her. The empathetic police captain recited a long prayer or chant which seemed to help or calm the woman.
The young policeman explained to the woman that she was being haunted by the spirit because she could not let go of it spiritually. He confidently explained that he had no fear of the spirit. The chant he recited, word perfect and from memory, was what is called the Paticcasamuppada. This a teaching of Buddha to his disciples.
