God Vs. Ghost

You’re well aware of the dark daylight and bright nights here in the land of illusion and camouflage. If you’re into the twilight world of protective tattoos and amulets, you know why Central World’s Zen burned down and Isetan survives without a scratch.

Ratchaprasong is powerfully protected by seven deities and their shrines. In front of Central World’s northeastern corner you find the Trimurti Shrine, devoted to Phra Trimurti, god of love, where people ask for success in love and lay down roses, flanked by the Pikanet Shrine, dedicated to Ganesha, god of wealth and prosperity.

In front of Zen? There was this beheaded Indian figure, an artist’s way to celebrate Thai-Indian friendship, the head of a … yes, a ghost, that’s how the artwork is called by now. Zen was made vulnerable by a staring ghost – oh and remember the Erawan Shrine attack? When mentally deranged Thanakorn Pakdeepol in 2006 smashed the statue with a hammer and was beaten to death on the spot by angry bystanders, Thais knew: doom will beset the nation.

Well the red stage was right beside Erawan shrine, with the beheaded ghost overlooking the stage and supporters. There was no powerful goddess protecting Zen. The Hyatt with its shrine remained safe, Sogo and Le Meridien with their own shrines remained safe. Apocalyptic destruction around the powerful golden head staring unmoved into the abyss, absorbing all the bad luck.

Well, I’m not saying, am just saying what Thais are saying.

Looks like a classic case of insufficient phu yai merit-making?

(image credits)