How did you start doing this job?
I was a monk until I was 25. Then I got a bachelor’s degree and a job working at the Bangkok Post. I first became interested in black magic after I discovered many people posting on the internet wanting someone who could use black magic to help them bring back their lost love, or something similar. My dad is a proficient Khmer master in Buriram, so I started learning from him. I then found another master who started to teach me. I’ve been studying magic for about 10 years now.

How do you perform your magic?
I started about three-four years ago. I only deal with the benevolent side of black magic, like breaking spells that have been put onto people or helping to bring back old lovers. For old lovers I will make wax dolls of the two people, then I will recite an incantation over them. I will only do this at night because it’s easier to call the person’s mind to inhabit the dolls when people are sleeping. To help break black magic spells, I will give people holy water to drink or bathe with. The length of time the rituals take to work ranges widely from three days to two weeks.

How does it help people?
For lovers, it will help bring back their lost love. I do this only for people who are a couple already. I won’t help a mistress or an adulterer who wants to steal back another person’s husband or wife. For breaking black magic spells, it should help the person who has been cursed return to normal. I’ve never failed in breaking a curse.

Have you had any supernatural experiences?
Never, but my dad has lots because he’s so proficient in the magical arts. He can see which black magician has cast a particular spell on someone. He also see the ghosts that the black magicians send to stop us from helping people.

What do other people think about your job?
Most of my colleagues admire me. They realize that only a few people can do this. The good thing is, I can help those who are regularly tricked by swindlers.

Will you pass your skills on to someone else?
Not really. I am not that proficient—yet.

How much do you earn?
My fees start from B3,332 to place charm magic on your forehead. It costs B3,900 to bring back lovers and my prices start from B8,000 to break black magic.

What do you say to skeptics who don’t believe in your magical powers?
This type of magic has been around since Buddha’s lifetime, so it’s definitely real. Still, you don’t have to believe it until you try it.

Samruay can be reached at 086-600-4288.  www.kunsai2009.tht.in