How did you start doing this job?
I was a monk until I was 25 and never had a job before. While I was a monk, I was possessed by someone who declared himself to be the Great Naga Nanthopananthanagaraj, from Buddhist legend. He told me he had to use my body to help people on Earth because it is a rule of the god-world that gods gain power by helping people. Now I work during the week and open the hermitage on weekends.

How do you perform your work?
I pray and meditate and let the Great Naga possess my body. Once he possesses me, I don’t know anything else. People who live with me, tell me later what the Great Naga has done.

How does it help people?
He gives advice to people who are in trouble. He will see what you’ve done and how to fix the problem. If people have done bad things, we will help them make merit to improve karma.

Have you ever had any other supernatural experiences?
No. Being a medium is enough.

What do other people think about your job?
They’re just amazed that I can do this. Some of my friends have also come to seek help from the Naga after finding out what I do.

Will you pass your skills onto the next generation?
I can’t. I have been destined to do this. All I do is pray and observe Buddhist precepts to keep my mind clean.

How much do you earn?
Depends on what people give me. I never ask.

What do you say to skeptics who don’t believe in your magic powers?
Hearing ten people talk isn’t the same as seeing it for yourself.

What is your philosophy?
Be honest and be patient so the gods will respect you.
Piyapong can be reached at Wihanpromprasit 086-882-3751.

Q&A: The Customer

Worasunan Kornpornpasawit, 31, admin at Siriraj Hospital tells us why she’s come to see the medium.
What problem did you come to see the medium for?
I had a problem with my younger boyfriend. I didn’t tell him at first that I already had kids. I was afraid that he would leave me. I came to see the medium to ask the Naga what I should tell my boyfriend and whether he’ll leave me.

And what did the Naga say?
The medium told me that I should tell my boyfriend and that he won’t dump me because he’s a good person. I did as the medium told me and that’s exactly what happened! So I keep coming back to see him every time I have problems I can’t figure out. I also brought my mom to see the medium, and she’s now fixed her problems, too.