We are speaking today with Dr. Ananya Tritipthumrongchok. She is a Professor of Fortune Telling and Leadership Development, The American University of Sovereign Nations (AUSN), a new U.S. based online institution; Sales Manager of Unicity-Thailand, a U.S. based corporation dealing in health supplements and high quality air filtration systems, General Manager of the Eubios Bioethics Institute (EEI); also an international globetrotter and the world’s leading expert on Thai Fortune Telling.
What had changed in Thailand the most?
There are new perspectives on balancing individual roles in communities, faith, religion and materialism. While people are searching for mental stability during the time of confusion, there is increased prayer and meditation which might last longer than the closing of cities. For example, we see Headspace, a meditation application. Changes in health and wellbeing, the Covid-19 situation forced the rapid adoption of new standards of health and wellbeing. People feel safe when wearing masks in public or outside of home. We already saw the use of masks to combat particulate matter pollution in the past several years. A new tool to help them are air purifiers, that is a huge market now due to a new models of air conditioners and air purifiers. A popular brand in Thailand is BiosLife Air, an American brand. It uses filters certified by the American Lung Association. It can reduce allergies, respiratory complications, asthma attacks, and make people healthier.
What has changed in Thailand the least?
Thai culture in terms of balancing religious faith and pragmatism. Most Thais are Buddhists, and we have a long standing belief about karma: “What goes around comes around” from generation to generation. Also we follow the Five Precepts of Buddhism.
Can you tell us about how you tell fortunes for your customers?
Normally, I read tarot cards and use palm reading for my customers, my friends, colleagues or whoever would like to me to help them to find the solution for life. Some people come to see me because they need a guide of life or someone just for fun, but in Thailand or Asia there is deep believe in fortune telling in many ways.
We can ask how does fortune telling reinforce preexisting life choices as compared to newly generated ideas? I actually conducted research using interviews for my Ph.D. One of the comments seems to reflect on my role and in the way people think of fortune tellers. “Before I used to believe that fortune tellers are mostly weird individuals, with unusual personalities, until I met Ananya, who is a modern day example of a fortune teller. She changed our impression of a fortune teller”.
How does fortune telling work in Thailand?
Fortune telling is an inexpensive and simple support for mental health that can ease the burden on individuals, plus on social workers and psychologists. In my opinion, if we are professional enough in what we do, I am sure we can help a lot of people’s mental health if they have a good mind. Good thoughts will have a good result in their life also. This is a magic of life!!
Can you tell us about your family?
I was the last one born in my generation in my family. I have one brother, with 11 relatives on my father’s side, 7 on my mother’s side. I was born in Bangkok and have blood from both Chinese and Thai ancestry.
Can you tell us about your professorship at The American University of Sovereign Nations?
I am a Professor of Fortune Telling and Leadership Development, and I teach students, engage in research and organise many conferences and training workshops in Thailand. I also perform some HRM functions to keep my multi-cultural university functioning productively.
What do you do for fun?
I love to communicate with people in many ways. Fortune telling is one way to contact to people also, doing activities together like running, ride a bicycle, swimming, book reading, watching movies and travelling.
Where do you like to go?
Everywhere in my experience. I love to learn about nature, culture, behaviour, lifestyle, and social norms in different places with people of different faiths. That is charming for them and beautiful for me.
What do you see is the future of Thailand?
Going well in a Global Way and shining like a diamond. We are Land of Smiles!
What do you see is your future?
I saw my future is getting better every day. The past was good, and the future is a gift of God.
