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Mar. 02 Charms - and the Siamese: Very Siamese were a lucky charm round the neck. The two most popular are (left) the Khun Phan and (right) the Somdech. Both are considered to be great luck ringers as well as sendering the wearer immune to knife and bullet wounds. They are very tiny, being about one inch long. The Siamese have a constant quest for luck: Charming Thailanders are great believers in charms. Although Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand, it presents many unique features which distinguish it from Buddhism in other countries. Oddly enough, most of the customs and ceremonies associated with it are of Hindu or Chinese origin. Most outstanding feature is the perpetual seeking for good luck which dominates the lives of millions of Siamese. Buddha condemns fortune-telling, and his philosophy makes no provision for those who expect something for nothing. It is for this that Hindu and Chinese beliefs have become a substitute for moral philosophy, and the constant endeavour to secure good luck as an ideal way of life. The fortune-teller is ubiqiotous in Thailand. But his poverty is inconsistent with his fortune telling, because it seems to have stood him in scent good stead. But his fact never to trouble they easy-minded Siamese. Evend kings are luck bringers. Peple burn incense before their images, and plaster tiny pisces of gold leaf over their figures. Since most of the Siamese are more interested in good luck than in a moral way of life, temples now compete to attract the superstitious rather than the devout. Vast numbers of Buddhist monks cest horoscopes, tell fortunes and sell cure-alls and bank the proceeds. Visitors to the country are intrigued by the luck charm worn by the people. From minister to beggar all wear charms from the neck. These vary in pattern but nearly all are supposed to have power which is increaded by their age. But in spite of the charms, and the fortune-telling, the Siamese quest for luck doesn't change then cery much, and life goes on in the Orient's only true monarchy as before

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