“You see that guy in the
film Harry Potter? He’s got
a magic stick, right? What
is that stick? The same as
a ruesi’s staff, of course!”
Chaichatree, elder ruesi
a magic stick, right? What is that stick?
The same as a ruesi’s staff, of course!”
It is precisely these magic powers that have
drawn increasing numbers in recent years to
begin seeking out the ruesi again. In a quaint
suburban housing estate in Chiang Mai’s
Maejo municipality, a gaggle of people sip tea
and mingle over blaring Thai holy music on
the front lawn of a detached two-storey house.
This is the home of a third ruesi, Phuttavet
Khemmatevo, and he prefers the city life.
Sitting in the living room amid Buddhist
and Hindu statues, Phuttavet facilitates a
Despite spending years isolated in the wild, ruesi require
remarkably few belongings. We take a peek at Ketmunee’s old kit:In his bag: Ketmunee
THE BARE NECESSITIES
- Two monk robes
for cold weather - Beaded necklace
- Blanket
- Sleeping mat
- Book of holy texts
- Leopard print hat
- Linen bag
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