Forest-dwelling cult leader arrested

POLICE in Thailand have arrested a forest-dwelling self-proclaimed holy man whose followers allegedly worshipped corpses and consumed bodily fluids as a cure for sickness, officials said.

There were chaotic scenes as officers raided the thatched house of 75-year-old Thawee Nanra on Sunday deep in a jungle in the Chaiyaphum province.

Supporters screamed and jostled with police as the bearded, shirtless white-haired man was led to a police vehicle.

Police said they found 11 corpses on the premises and local media said they are believed to be the bodies of his followers.

Provincial governor

Kraisorn Kongchalad said Thawee had at least 12 followers living with him.

Coffins containing bodies were scattered around the house.

Devotees reportedly told authorities the leader’s urine and phlegm are believed to be cures for diseases.

Mr Kraisorn said he was shocked to discover such practices still went on in the modern age.

“It’s quite disturbing to see that there are people who believe in such superstition. But this is not only about a personal belief anymore. We have dead bodies and we will have to work with all agencies to establish facts surrounding these individuals,” he said.