Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai – leader of cults

Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai of Thailand has long been a totally uncritical member of the Sathya Sai Baba cult, where he performed on the a lunatic fringe with miracle stories, futile cures for all ills, a rigid and redundant educational model for schools and much besides. Since the demise of Sathya Sai Baba, Jumsai has come to promote ‘pyramid power’, claims contact with aliens and UFOs, and thinks he is descended from Egyptian sorcerers. It is all very entertaining, but, as scientists point out, is not suitable teaching as it involves false beliefs. He is the subject of a petition to remove him from the Office of Basic Education Commission.

PYRAMID CULT LEADER APPOINTED TO REFORM PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM

By Khaosod English

Mr. Art-ong’s appointment has alarmed many Thai scientists because of his association with a “pyramid cult” and endorsement of pseudo-scientific ideas.

Mr. Art-ong, an engineer who reportedly collaborated with NASA on several projects, is heavily involved with the Baan Suan Pyramid movement, a cult that claims to posses the ability to heal sick people with “pyramid power” and boasts a lineage to ancient Egyptian “sorcerers.” Mr. Art-ong gave lectures at many of the group’s gatherings, including an occasion in which he claimed “pyramid power” can slow down the decay of fruit.

Mr. Art-ong  has also expressed his belief in extra-terrestrials; he asserted in one lecture that he could communicate with the “UFOs” that were hovering over the earth. As of the time this article is published, international astrophysicists have unanimously agreed that Earth has not been visited by any extraterrestrial civilisations.

To protest his appointment, Chulalongkorn University scientist Mr. Jessada launched an online petition calling for the removal of Mr. Art-ong from the OBEC subcommittee. “If Dr. Art-ong, a believer in pseudoscience, has the role in reforming curriculum, he may use beliefs that are not based on credible science to affect his decisions about reforming the curriculum,” the petition reads. “It may lead to teaching false beliefs to Thai youth.”

See also – Art-ong Jumsai’s fanciful mind takes flight again