Thairath has lost an important personnel member who worked alongside the organization for many decades. Reporters reported on 17 May that Ajarn Nop, also known as Mr. Nop Phothirak, a renowned astrologer for Thairath Newspaper, who was widely trusted and had many disciples, passed away peacefully from old age at 05:34 on 17 May at Rajavithi Hospital, at the age of 99.
Ajarn Nop was born on 1 January 1927. Before becoming a senior forecaster and the favored astrologer for Thairath Newspaper, he was a disciple of Luang Por Sod of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen in Bangkok. He studied astrology based on star predictions since he was a novice monk, learning through observation and self-study in what is called “learning from the master’s practice.” He also studied forecasting from various teachers, using his astrological knowledge to help people. Due to his accuracy, even after leaving monkhood, he continued to have many followers seeking his predictions, especially politicians who came to consult him frequently.
Throughout his life, both as a monk and as a layperson, Ajarn Nop continuously used his knowledge to serve society by forecasting life paths, economic and social situations, politics, and natural disasters. He also performed various rituals from both Buddhist and Brahmin traditions. He gained great fame and respect, attracting disciples from many fields and professions. In his Thairath Newspaper Column for daily horoscopes, his precise forecasts included warnings to avoid carelessness, guidance to prevent missteps, and advice to mitigate difficulties. He earned the nickname “the one who turns upside down what is overturned, bringing light to darkness.” Additionally, he regularly provided lucky numbers at the end of his column. As Thairath’s chief astrologer, Ajarn Nop continued writing forecasts well into his 90s until he fell ill in recent years due to age and passed away peacefully in the early hours of 17 May 2024 at Rajavithi Hospital.
Regarding his family life, Ajarn Nop had one son and a stepdaughter from his wife. The family arranged religious funeral rites at Wat Phra Si Mahathat Bangkhen in Bangkok, with the water-pouring ceremony at 16:00 in Hall 12. The funeral chanting was held from 18 to 20 May at 18:00 each day, followed by the cremation ceremony at 14:00 on 21 May at Crematorium 1, Wat Phra Si Mahathat Bangkhen, Bangkok.