
In Thailand, where mysticism thrives, AI fortune telling finds fertile ground
When Whan consulted her new fortune teller about the future of her relationship with her boyfriend, she was told that one half of the couple tended to be sulky, while the other would over-analyse things. The fortune teller recommended that they try to be more open with each other.
But the advice on the future of the relationship didn't come from a human – it came from ChatGPT.
In Thailand, a country with a rich tradition of fortune telling, Whan, 28, is among a growing number of young people turning to ChatGPT for answers about their future. On social media, users share advice on how to upload pictures of their palms for palm readings, and of their birth charts, which show the positions of the planets at the time of their birth.
Usually, if Whan wants to see her fortune teller, she needs to book an appointment months in advance - and pay 599 baht [£13.55] for a one hour session. So, when she saw comments on social media praising the accuracy of ChatGPT's readings, she decided to give it a try. She typed into the chat box: 'I saw many people have asked you about their fortune based on a birth chart. Can you do it for me?'
It replied: 'My pleasure', before asking the time, date and location of her birth.
Satisfied with her first reading, Whan, who asked to use only her nickname, later uploaded a picture of her face for a face reading, and asked ChatGPT to analyse her compatibility with her boyfriend.
The importance of fortune tellers - called 'Mor Doo,' meaning 'doctors who see' - dates back centuries in Thailand, a majority Buddhist country, where culture is shaped by astrology and other forms of divination.
Fortune tellers are consulted by anyone from politicians or wealthy business people weighing up investment decisions, to students nervous about their exam results or curious about their love life.
Estimates of the size of the market for spiritual goods and services vary, though last year the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce suggested it was worth between $304 and $456m.
Research produced in January by Krungsri Bank found that younger people were most likely of all generations to buy such products online, and that of the growing range of spiritual services offered through digital technologies, fortune telling applications drew the most interest from all ages.
Jirapat Wangcharoen, 27, a content creator focused on astrology and spirituality, has benefited from the rising trend. On his TikTok account Nesh the Wizard, he has shared advice using ChatGPT, with one video last October liked by tens of thousands of users.
Jirapat researched the use of AI as a personal navigation tool while studying his Master's degree in Australia. 'My key takeaway was people just want to take their anxieties away as soon as possible,' he said. 'If they have a question at night, at 1am, they don't want to linger on that… They go to ChatGPT or TikTok live to ask the question.'
'It's easier for them [young people] to talk to robots rather than humans,' he added.
While fortune tellers can easily be found on social media, or sitting at tables outside temples, people often prefer to use someone they trust and have consulted previously, or who has been recommended. This can mean they need to wait for an appointment.
Ruchi Agarwal, assistant professor of anthropology at Mahidol University, said curiosity about the future peaks in times of instability. 'If you look at the past trends, whenever there was economic crisis or political crisis, then there was always a search for either spirit mediums or fortune tellers – just as a psychological remedy, or for finding some solution to the uncertainty they face,' she said.
This is also the case for younger people today, who have lived through political instability and the pandemic, and who are also, she said, 'more in their silos, and more attached to social media'.
Ajarn Par, or Master Par, an astrologist based in Huai Khwang, an area of Bangkok known for its popular Ganesha Shrine and fortune tellers, agreed that younger people are searching for meaning. 'It's [a way of building] emotional resilience in an uncertain world,' she said. 'Young people have a feeling of [a lack] of control.'
Some have raised concerns about the risk of giving AI tools with personal information such as photos or birth details. And, opinions are divided over whether ChatGPT or other AI tools will have long-lasting appeal among those interested in astrology.
Ajarn Par believes ChatGPT may be capable of relaying data about astrological principles, but she questions its benefits.
'To give proper guidance, you need to have lived experience… [human fortune tellers] have the feeling of human intuition,' she said.
She likens fortune tellers' role to that of a therapist, someone people can consult in their most difficult moments. None of this can be replicated by a computer, she said. 'A robot cannot touch your feelings.'
For Whan, there are positives to consulting both humans and ChatGPT. With a human teller, she said, you can see their face and reactions.
But with AI: 'you can just use it right away - and you can keep asking them.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Geeky Gadgets
8 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
7 Ways ChatGPT and AI Can Transform Your Life Starting Today
Have you ever wondered how much easier life could be if you had a personal assistant for your thoughts, goals, and even your emotions? Here's the surprising truth: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already that assistant, quietly transforming the way we live, work, and grow. Yet, many of us are only scratching the surface of ChatGPT and AI's potential. Imagine having a tool that not only helps you make smarter decisions but also supports your emotional well-being or even builds an app for you—no coding required. It sounds futuristic, but it's happening now, and the possibilities are as exciting as they are life-changing. In this piece, Kevin Stratvert and team explore seven remarkable ways AI can enhance your daily life, from simplifying daunting tasks to unlocking creativity you didn't know you had. You'll discover how AI can help you stay motivated toward your goals, prepare for challenges like job interviews, and even resolve frustrating billing disputes with ease. Whether you're looking to boost productivity, improve decision-making, or find new ways to navigate life's complexities, these insights will show you how to make AI work for you. The question isn't whether AI can change your life—it's how soon you'll let it. 7 Ways AI Enhances Life 1. Make Smarter Decisions with AI Making tough decisions can often feel overwhelming, but AI provides tools to guide you through the process. Platforms like ChatGPT simulate expert advice, allowing you to analyze different perspectives and weigh the pros and cons of your choices. For instance, you can ask AI to emulate the reasoning of a mentor or industry expert, offering insights tailored to your situation. Advanced tools like Notebook LM go a step further by being trained on specific content, allowing personalized recommendations based on your unique needs. By using AI, you can approach decisions with greater confidence and clarity, making sure they are well-informed and balanced. 2. Emotional Support Through AI AI isn't limited to technical tasks—it can also serve as a source of emotional support. Conversational AI provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to process your thoughts and emotions. For example, during challenging times like a breakup or a stressful period, AI can help you explore your feelings and gain perspective. By adjusting prompts, you can shift from seeking comfort to receiving constructive feedback. While AI is not a substitute for professional therapy, it can complement your emotional well-being by offering an accessible outlet for reflection and self-discovery. 3. Visualize and Stay Motivated Toward Your Goals Achieving your goals begins with a clear vision, and AI can help you create one. By describing your aspirations—whether it's advancing your career, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or pursuing a creative project—AI tools can generate vivid, detailed scenarios of what success might look like. These visualizations can be saved or printed as daily reminders, keeping you motivated and focused. By turning abstract goals into tangible outcomes, AI helps make them feel more achievable, encouraging consistent progress toward your objectives. 4. Boost Business Productivity with AI AI is transforming workplace efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows. Tools like Fathom and Plod simplify meeting management by generating transcripts, summaries, and searchable records, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives. Financial platforms such as QuickBooks Online automate tax preparation and expense tracking, reducing errors and saving valuable time. By integrating AI into your business processes, you can enhance productivity, allocate resources more effectively, and concentrate on high-priority tasks that drive growth. How ChatGPT Can Simplify Your Daily Life Watch this video on YouTube. Below are more guides on AI Decision-Making Tools from our extensive range of articles. 5. Build Apps Without Coding The development of applications no longer requires extensive programming knowledge, thanks to AI-powered no-code platforms. Tools like ChatGPT and Lovable enable you to design and refine apps without writing a single line of code. AI-generated feedback ensures that your app meets your specific needs, allowing for quick iterations and improvements. This widespread access of app development enables individuals and small businesses to innovate without technical barriers, fostering creativity and allowing the realization of unique ideas. 6. Prepare for Job Interviews with AI Job interviews can be daunting, but AI can help you prepare effectively. Platforms like Google Gemini simulate mock interviews tailored to specific roles, providing real-time feedback on your responses. By practicing with AI, you can refine your answers, improve your communication skills, and build the confidence needed to make a strong impression. This targeted preparation ensures you are equipped to handle even the most challenging questions, increasing your chances of success in the competitive job market. 7. Resolve Billing Disputes Efficiently Billing errors and disputes can be time-consuming and frustrating, but AI simplifies the resolution process. By drafting professional and persuasive communication, AI tools help you navigate complex conversations with service providers or insurance companies. For example, you can use AI to generate clear and concise messages that effectively dispute incorrect charges. This approach not only saves time but also increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome, making the resolution process more efficient and less stressful. Unlock the Potential of AI AI is more than just a technological convenience—it is a powerful tool that can enhance both your personal and professional life. From making informed decisions to automating tasks, supporting emotional well-being, and preparing for challenges, AI enables you to achieve your goals with greater efficiency and confidence. By exploring its full potential, you can unlock benefits that improve productivity, foster creativity, and enhance your overall quality of life. Media Credit: Kevin Stratvert Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Musk unveils chilling plan to rewrite history and everyone's saying same thing
Elon Musk unveiled plans to rewrite history using his own AI in a chilling online post that readers compared to George Orwell's 1984. In the classic dystopian novel, hero Winston Smith works at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to rewrite historical documents and newspapers so they match the tyrannical government's constantly changing party line. Posting on X, Musk vowed to use the latest version of AI system Grok to 'rewrite the entire corpus of human knowledge, adding missing information and deleting errors.' He said Grok, which X users can access directly within the app, would be 'retrained' based on the 'corrected' data. AI systems are trained on huge sets of data - mostly from publicly available sources like books, newspaper articles and other sources on the internet. ChatGPT, the main competitor for Musk's Grok AI, is estimated to be trained on more than a trillion words of information. In May, the Grok chatbot started repeatedly mentioning "white genocide" in South Africa in responses to unrelated queries. The bot told users it had been "instructed by my creators" to accept claims of a genocide were "real and racially motivated." Musk's firm says the bot is trained on "publicly available sources" but is designed to have a "rebellious streak and an outside perspective on humanity." Musk's suggestion would be for his next model to be trained not on original historical sources, but on Grok's revisions of them - with the erratic tech billionaire's team stepping in to remove 'errors'. Musk posted: 'Far too much garbage in any foundation model trained on uncorrected data.' The post prompted many readers to respond comparing the plan to 1984. Orwell's 1949 novel paints a nightmarish picture of Britain under an authoritarian dictatorship, drawing on the censorship and propaganda seen in Nazi Germany. In the book, Smith is tasked with revising old newspapers, destroying the original documents by dropping them into the 'memory hole.'


Geeky Gadgets
14 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Use the ChatGPT App for Windows 11
What if you could have a personal assistant on your Windows 11 device—one that never sleeps, learns your preferences, and adapts to your needs? With the ChatGPT app, this isn't just a futuristic dream; it's a reality at your fingertips. Whether you're drafting emails, brainstorming creative ideas, or breaking down complex topics into digestible insights, this app transforms how you interact with artificial intelligence. But here's the catch: many users don't fully explore its potential, missing out on features that could transform their workflow. If you've ever wondered how to seamlessly integrate AI into your daily tasks, this quick-start guide by Aldo James is here to show you how. In the sections ahead, Aldo James takes you through how to download, install, and personalize the ChatGPT app for Windows 11, unlocking tools designed to boost productivity and creativity. From voice interaction capabilities to advanced customization options, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to tailor the app to your unique needs. You'll also learn how to navigate its standout features, like temporary chats for private inquiries or organizing your content with built-in libraries. By the end, you'll not only master the basics but also uncover ways to make the app work smarter for you. After all, technology should adapt to you—not the other way around. ChatGPT App Overview Getting Started: Downloading and Installing To begin using the ChatGPT app, you need to download and install it from the Microsoft Store. Follow these steps to get started: Launch the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 device. Search for 'ChatGPT' in the search bar or explore the AI Hub section. Click 'Install' to download the app. Once the installation is complete, open it from the Start menu or directly from the Microsoft Store. This straightforward process ensures quick access to the app, allowing you to dive into its features without unnecessary delays. Logging In and Temporary Chat Options After installation, log in using your existing account credentials or create a new account if needed. For users seeking a private, one-time interaction, the 'Temporary Chat' feature is particularly useful. This feature allows you to engage with the AI without saving the conversation, making it ideal for sensitive inquiries or quick, disposable interactions. By offering this option, the app ensures flexibility and privacy for various use cases. ChatGPT App in Windows 11 Watch this video on YouTube. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in ChatGPT . Key Features and Functionalities The ChatGPT app is designed with user convenience in mind, offering a range of features to enhance your experience: Access both new and previous chats, allowing you to revisit past conversations effortlessly. Manage generated images through a dedicated library for easy retrieval and organization. Use integration with various GPT models to perform tasks such as image creation, code writing, and web searches. These features make the app a versatile tool, catering to diverse needs ranging from casual use to professional applications. Customizing Your AI Experience Personalization is a key aspect of the ChatGPT app, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. You can customize your experience by: Assigning a name and defining traits for the AI to align with your communication style. Adjusting settings such as language preferences, system theme, text size, and hotkeys for a more personalized interface. Allowing or disabling advanced features like web search, voice recording, and memory storage to suit your workflow. These customization options ensure that the app adapts to your specific needs, enhancing both usability and efficiency. Voice Interaction Capabilities Voice interaction is one of the standout features of the ChatGPT app, offering a natural and engaging way to communicate with AI. Key functionalities include: The 'Dictate' feature, which allows you to input queries via voice, saving time and effort. 'Advanced Voice Mode,' which supports conversational interactions with customizable voice options for a more personalized experience. These tools not only improve accessibility but also make the app more user-friendly, especially for multitasking or hands-free scenarios. Data Security and Privacy Features The ChatGPT app prioritizes data security, providing robust tools to manage your information effectively: Archive and export chat data for record-keeping or further analysis. Control data-sharing preferences to maintain privacy and ensure compliance with your personal or organizational policies. Enable multi-factor authentication for enhanced account security. These measures ensure that your data remains protected, giving you peace of mind while using the app. Boosting Productivity and Multitasking The app includes a variety of tools designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity: Generate images, analyze screenshots, and switch between chats with ease. Select from different GPT models to refine responses and achieve specific outcomes tailored to your tasks. These features make the app an invaluable assistant for both creative and analytical projects, helping you accomplish more in less time. Organizing Content with Library and Search Tools Efficient organization is a core strength of the ChatGPT app, making sure that you can manage your content effectively. Key tools include: A library for accessing and managing generated images, making retrieval quick and simple. Options to rename, archive, or delete chats, allowing for better organization and faster access to important conversations. These features help you stay organized, making sure that your workflow remains smooth and efficient. Practical Applications for Diverse Needs The versatility of the ChatGPT app makes it suitable for a wide range of practical applications: Educational purposes, such as breaking down complex topics into simpler explanations for easier understanding. Creative tasks, including using the Canvas feature to edit and refine responses for enhanced output. Professional use cases, such as drafting emails, generating reports, or brainstorming ideas for projects. These applications highlight the app's flexibility, making it a valuable tool for users across different fields and industries. Maximizing the Potential of the ChatGPT App The ChatGPT app for Windows 11 combines advanced AI capabilities with an intuitive design, offering a powerful platform for productivity, creativity, and learning. By exploring its features—from voice interaction to data management and customization—you can unlock its full potential. Whether you're a casual user or a professional, the app's robust tools and user-friendly interface ensure a seamless and efficient experience tailored to your needs. Media Credit: Aldo James Filed Under: AI, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.