By Tim Binnall
A Thai police officer is being deservedly praised for his thoughtful approach to helping a distressed woman thought to be possessed by a sinister spirit. According to a local media report, the remarkable case occurred earlier this month when cops in the community of Thung Hua Chang received a call about a resident roaming around the community and acting strangely. Specifically, the neighbors suspected that the erratically behaving woman had fallen under the spell of a folkloric spirit known as the Phi Ka, a malevolent entity often blamed for a variety of unfortunate events and mysterious maladies.
Informed of these concerns when he arrived on the scene, Lieutenant Thanakorn Tatsanawetin commendably adjusted his response and "assumed the role of a traditional spiritual practitioner" while tending to the woman. The tactic proved successful as the cop-turned-exorcist was able to slowly diffuse her mental health episode until she was able to be safely brought home. Tatsanawetin has since been rightfully lauded for how he handled the 'supernatural' situation about which he mused, "sometimes policing is about the heart. When people are in distress, and their beliefs are part of how they understand a situation, we are ready to help ensure they feel safe and reassured."