While some fear accusations of practising ancient dark arts might tarnish Thailand's reputation as a "scientific" nation, what would be more damaging would be Thailand earning a further reputation for corruption and ethical failure.

Those under the spell of illusion are most worrying, because as the name implies, they cannot distinguish what's real and what's not. Their view of the world is totally different from reality. While practising black magic is a personal choice, the magic of illusion can lead to damaging repercussions for society as a whole, especially if those involved are in power.

Here's how to tell if people are under a spell of illusion. First, they fail to listen. They always think they can do no wrong. No criticism, no matter how loud or how often, can make them see their faults.

What's more, they will retaliate with strong words and actions, such as filing defamation and libel lawsuits, but never ever answer any questions that have been asked. Silencing their critics is one classic tactic that they know very well.

Second, they lose their conscience. In their illusive world, all they care about is personal gain and not what would benefit the country. Indeed, the concept of "conflict of interest" is totally alien to them. They will always cite the law as a legitimate basis for their decisions but fail to look at issues of appropriateness and what's morally right.

And finally, there's no such thing as showing responsibility for one's own actions. They are exceptional in their ability to come up with loads of excuses. Believe it or not, the recent court ruling on the selling of national assets can't even make them repent. They still insist what they are doing is right.

Please be aware that those who fit the above description are not practising voodoo, because even black magic cannot compete with the power of illusion. What is scary is that followers of illusion will try to create an illusory world for everyone else too. They will project the most beautiful picture of the economy, promise grand projects and insist that the country's development scheme is on the right track. But they will never say who gets the most out of all this.

At times it's easy to believe these illusions, and a large number of people are still caught under their spell. The good news, however, is that more and more people have come to realise the truth. It's an amazing phenomenon that brings people from all walks of life, young and old, together for a single purpose.

Of course, illusion loyalists hate it. What they fear most is facing the truth, and that's why the most spellbound person today has resorted to playing hide and seek. He says he doesn't want confrontation, so he's been acting like a ninja lately, popping up here and there without prior notice, in order to avoid all of those pesky questions being hurled at him.

How can we break free of this illusory world? The only way is to stand united against corruption and wrongdoing. Some say the current political crisis has driven a wedge into society, but having different opinions is what democracy is all about. We should accustom ourselves to speaking out and not remaining quiet on controversial issues.

The path may be long and tiring, but we must never compromise over misconduct. Otherwise Thailand will always be cast under a dark spell in which people become indifferent to morally wrong and selfish actions.

Let's not be bored, let's not give up, and let's keep in mind that only people with something to hide have to be afraid.

By the way, after consulting my "special calendar", I see that today is an auspicious day for anyone who wants to meet new people, join some sort of historic social gathering and fight for a worthy cause.

Veenarat Laohapakakul

The Nation