Can Angels Move Bombs?

Photo of an angel, (though not the one described by the monk in the text)

Spoke to a monk this morning who, a few years ago, transferred from Wat Dhammakaya near Bangkok to a local wat. He told me that during the allied bombings in the Second World War the monks prayed for angels to divert the bombs so that they fell in the sea. He seemed convinced that the prayers had been answered.

It is true that not all allied bombs hit their targets. But, I’m not convinced the angels had anything to do with it.

Allied bombing raids on Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, began soon after Japan invaded Thailand on 8 December 1941. It intended using Thailand as the easiest route into British India.

Allied Intelligence photo showing successful bombing of Bangkok

Always difficult to discuss superstitions with Thais. Putting your own point of view can come across, to the average Thai, as a farang challenging accepted Thai superstitions.

I tend to move the conversation on to something else if I see that happening.

For a story on Thai Superstitions, take a look at this Medium article that I wrote a few days ago.

Thai Superstitions. Tourist guides correctly advise not… | by MattOwensRees writer on Thai culture and lifestyle | Stories about Thailand | Nov, 2023 | Medium