Well, here’s some cosmic news that’s sure to add a sprinkle of stardust to your day! Astrologer extraordinaire Phanuwat Phanwichartkul has ascended to celestial heights, thanks to an appointment by none other than His Majesty the King. Alongside Pol Maj Gen Pisit Pao-in, these two distinguished gentlemen are set to succeed recently departed senators, according to the Royal Gazette announcement on June 7.
So, who has Phanuwat and Pisit replaced, you might wonder? The spots opened up with the passing of Adm Saksit Cherdboonmuang and Monthian Buntan, leaving the Senate seats yearning for some new energy. And as fate or stars would have it, Phanuwat and Pisit were pegged to fill the void. Officially, their roles started back on May 10, as per the announcement on June 4, in line with Section 269 of the constitution.
You might be curious about the tenure of the previous gang of senators – all 250 of them. Their terms bid farewell on May 11, but don’t worry, they haven’t vanished just yet! They’re sticking around in a caretaker capacity until a fresh brigade of 200 senators takes over after the elections concluding on June 26. Politics is such an intricate dance, isn’t it?
Now let’s turn the spotlight onto Mr. Phanuwat. Known for his transcendental skills in astrology, this cosmic consultant isn’t exactly a novice in the political arena. Wind back to 1994-95, and you’d find him as a member of the Muang Surat Thani municipal council. Not stopping there, he served as an honorary adviser to a House committee dipped in the rich hues of religion, arts, and culture. A man of many talents, indeed!
And then there’s Pol Maj Gen Pisit, a stalwart in the policing world. He hung up his hat in 2013 after commanding the Technology Crime Suppression Division. But retirement was just a word for Pisit. In 2015, he embarked on a new journey with the National Reform Steering Assembly. By 2016, he was the deputy chairman of the reform committee on mass media. Clearly, neither Pisit nor retirement are easily pinned down.
So, there you have it. Two versatile, well-versed gentlemen poised to continue their journey of public service, guided by the stars and the law alike. Just another day in the intriguing whirlwind of Thai politics!
Appointing an astrologer to the Senate? This is outrageous. Politics should be about facts and policies, not superstition.
Why not? Belief systems are part of culture. It might bring a fresh perspective.
@stellarSophie, fresh perspective or not, it undermines rational decision-making.
Exactly, James. What’s next, tarot card readings for policy decisions?
Amy, you’re missing the point. Phanuwat has political experience, too. His astrology practice doesn’t negate that.
I’m not even sure why anyone cares. Politics is already a mess; a new face, astrologer or not, won’t change a thing.
It’s about the credibility of our political system, sportsfan99. This appointment raises eyebrows.
I think it’s hilarious. Politics already feels like a cosmic joke.
Phanuwat Phanwichartkul? Sounds more like a character from a fantasy novel than a senator. Thai politics never ceases to amaze me.
In a way, this reflects our evolution in thinking. Maybe blending traditional wisdom with modern governance could yield interesting results.
Or it could lead to chaos and a lack of respect for serious political processes.
David, I get your point, but I can’t help but feel skeptical. We’ve seen how pseudoscience can mislead people.
True, but if vetted properly, it could work. It’s still an experiment, after all.
People should reserve judgment. Give Phanuwat a chance to prove his merit.
I think it’s inspiring. Astrologers often have deep insight into human nature.
Man, Thailand really is next level with this. Bringing magic into the mundane.
Well, at least he’s had political experience before. It’s not like they pulled him straight from a circus.
Does anyone else think this is just a strategy to appease certain cultural groups?
Interesting fact: many ancient cultures held astrologers in high regard, aligning critical state functions with celestial events.
But we’re not in ancient times anymore. Modern governance should be based on evidence and reason.
True, Jane. But understanding human psychology and beliefs is also crucial in leadership.
Imagine if this happened in the U.S. People would lose their minds!
Haha, for sure. It would be a media frenzy.
I guess if the Senate starts making predictions, we know who to blame. 😂
Can he predict the lottery too? Asking for a friend.
The real question is how effective Phanuwat will be. His background doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll excel in his new role.
True, that’s what we should be watching for. Results, not titles.
Exactly, Bill. We often get caught up in the sensational aspects and forget to focus on performance.
It’s a reflection of Thai society and its values. We need to respect that diversity doesn’t equate to inferiority.
This could either be a brilliant move or a colossal disaster. Time will tell.