Application of Ideal State of Belief According to Astrology in Thai Politics

Abstract

This research aims to study: 1) the concept of ideal belief systems in astrology through Thai astrological texts from 1932 to 2022 and their application in Thai politics; 2) the political communication of the Thai elite regarding astrology from 1932 to 2022 in terms of interactive actors; and 3) the influence of ideal belief systems in astrology on Thai politics from 1932 to 2022. The study employs qualitative research methods, specifically documentary research, using interpretative data analysis and descriptive analytic approaches.
The results of the study showed that: 1) The concept of ideal belief systems includes: (1) the history of astrological studies has led to the development of comprehensive, effective, and increasingly accurate texts; (2) the belief in astrology among Thai political elites remains significant in setting certain important political norms; (3) the interpretation and application of beliefs from Thai astrological texts in political governance have been developed, discovered, and compiled over various eras into a body of authoritative astrological texts used by astrologers in Thai politics; 2) Political communication involves: (1) the interaction between elites and astrologers in relation to astrology and Thai politics, where elites maintain close relationships with astrologers for personal political advice; (2) the interaction between elites and foreign astrologers, where predictions from renowned foreign astrologers can create political ripple effects; (3) the interaction between astrologers and the media and public, with the media playing a key role in disseminating predictions through media channels; (4) the interaction between astrologers and political parties, where astrologers provide astrological consultations to political parties; and 3) the influence of ideal belief systems includes: (1) the relationship between astrology and political coups in Thailand, specifically in providing auspicious timings for coups; (2) astrology's role in determining important religious ceremonies, including the calculation of celestial movements for predictions, which is significant for political governance; (3) the role of astrologers in astrology, including their functions as advisors and ritual officiants; (4) the influence of Thai astrological beliefs, which has impacted Thai politics in four significant ways from the past to the present.