Health government is cracking down on those who claim to have divine abilities to treat condition.
PUBLISHED: 23 May 2024 at 19: 09
People who claim to possess healing powers are subject to a warning from the ministry of public health that could result in prison sentences of up to eight times.
Thanakrit Jitareerat, a sin- minister, was responding to reports reports about persons claiming to possess mystical power to cure diseases.
He cited the Udon Thani story of a person and a person who took the name” Achan and Nong Ying” and called themselves. They claimed to have phalang muffin or “merit strength” from five Buddhas, including the past, present and future versions, to address their devotees ‘ illnesses.
Pradit Anprakhon, who refers to himself as” Luang Pu Trai,” claims to treat illness by covering a person’s head with an aluminum cooking dish while they pray in Buri Ram.
In response to the rise in common issues, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, according to Mr. Thanakrit, has instructed officials to take a proactive approach to these cases.
He claimed that the ministry would file charges if those who claimed to have” curing powers” do n’t stop what they are practicing.
The law is being broken, he said, because these people use the word” curing” even though they are not medical doctors or traditional doctors.
They are not authorised to perform any medical treatments, he said, adding that there is no scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of the” cures” they promote.
People found guilty under the Healing Arts Practices Act, BE 2542 ( 1999 ) can face up to three years in jail and/or a fine of up to 30, 000 baht.
The Medical Facilities Act, BE 2541 ( 1998 ), which places people in physical proximity to where they are treated could lead to a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 100, 000 baht.
In total, they may face up to eight years in prison, he said.
In a related development, citizens are requesting that the National Office of Buddhism look into a man who claims to possess the heart of the later, well-known Luang Pu Thep Luk Udon.
The Ubon Ratchathani resident describes himself as” Achan Dam” and claims to perform a ritual to ward off bad luck or crises in his life for 10,000 baht.