Why thousands of Thais are flocking to a Morlam singer’s shrine 30 years after her death

Yesterday, more than 2,000 people gathered at the shrine of famous Morlam singer Honey Sri-isan in Kalasin province, northeast Thailand, for a lottery number selection event hosted by a 16 year old singer who is believed by fans to carry the reborn spirit of Honey Sri-Isan, who died in a car accident in 1992.

Newcomer to the Morlam scene, 16 year old Ung-ing Petchbanpaeng, performed at Mae Honey’s shrine (“Mother Honey“) and drew number predictions (6, 2, 5) for the upcoming national lottery draw on March 16.

Yesterday was the third time Ung-ing performed at the shrine of Mother Honey, attracting a 4-kilometre queue of cars. Fans say Ung-ing, also born in Kalasin province, correctly predicted the lottery numbers for the latest two draws.

Mother Honey’s biological elder sister attended the event and embraced Ung-ing, with tears streaming down her face.

Ung-ing has risen to…