Myanmar Astrology: A Journey from Myanmar to Thailand

Abstract

This article research is a study in the existence of astrology in Myanmar society and its influence on border crossings between Myanmar and Thailand. The research methodology was a descriptive analysis research. Document research and textual analysis are the key methods employed in this study and was analyzed by content analysis technique, within the frameworks of transboundary home-making and spiritual tourism. The findings of the study show that beliefs in Myanmar astrology have been influencing Myanmar society since the traditional period and continue to do so in modern-day life. Leaders of Myanmar in each epoch adopted astrology-related beliefs as devices to establish and maintain their legitimacy, as well as to rule the country in diverse ways. In addition, Myanmar’s astrology has been popularized in Thailand by way of an established fortune teller named Daw Swe Swe Win, known as ET. She used a whispering technique to convey the mystery in telling fortunes. Her well-respected method was acknowledged and covered by Thai media, which raised her popularity and cultural influence. This has created a surge in spiritual tourism in Myanmar by Thai people. Further demonstrating this spiritual phenomenon is the use of San Zarni Bo, another celebrity fortune teller, in the advertising campaigns of DTAC (telecommunication firm in Thailand) to marketize its products and services. San Zarni Bo is counted as one of the intellectuals who was punished as a dissident of the Myanmar military. His ideology lies in accordance with and is sympathetic to Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, whose standing point is against the Myanmar regime. The use of fortune tellers as part of this marketing strategy has contributed to a sense of home among the Myanmar migrants living in Thailand. The synthesis of Myanmar fortune telling and Thai commercial activities creates a unique conduit for Myanmar political ideology to be subtly transmitted and for migrant life to be enriched through the popularization and adoption of their native cultural traditions.