Before you draw conclusions about extra-terrestrials, it might help to know that ET, alias E-Thi, is an astrologer and she knows all about Thaksin Shinawatra. She even knows about the bad and good things going to happen to him.

According to an informed source, ET has been to Bangkok on several occasions. "She would be flown in to meet top leaders and give them personal suggestions," the source said.

ET is also much sought after by the first couple of Burma's ruling junta — Senior Gen Than Shwe and his wife Kyaing Kyaing — according to the latest issue of The Irrawaddy.

ET is a disabled Burmese woman whose speech impediment makes her suggestions incomprehensible. However, her sister translates the blurry prognostications for those seeking her counsel.

Those who have interacted with ET said that she has telepathic powers and the ability to foretell the future. One local journalist said that she correctly mentioned the sequence of numbers on a banknote inside his pocket.

It is an open secret that Thai politicians, especially Thaksin, have used astrological skills from Burma and Cambodia including black magic.

One well-informed source said the prime minister, several ministers and politicians have long respected ET.

"The normal story is when you first meet ET and take out a banknote from your own wallet, ET would be able to read all the serial numbers without looking," said the source.

"Then, ET would speak 'broken English' to convey her message. At one time, the queue was as long as 10 (a cabinet meeting) until ET had developed a headache and had to turn down many waiting admirers.

"ET is known to be very accurate for a short-term event prediction (less than one year)," added the source.

According to The Irrawaddy, before overthrowing then prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan in February 1991, Thailand's conspiring generals were rumoured to have made a secret trip to Rangoon to seek advice from an astrologer. So, they made offerings at a temple in order to ensure a successful coup and retain "energy".

They returned to Thailand without touching the earth, as instructed - always walking on red carpets, travelling by car and aircraft, and then to the seat of power in Bangkok.