Tragic Double Suicide Linked to Johrei Cult in Thailand

In a tragic incident that has cast a spotlight on the secretive Johrei sect in Thailand, a 41-year-old veterinarian and her 12-year-old daughter were found dead in an apparent suicide pact. Discovered on January 2 in Rayong’s Ban Chang district, the mother and daughter were found in an embrace, near the bodies of their two pet birds and a container of cyanide. A note at the scene asked for no funeral services, only immediate cremation, and for their bodies to be placed in the same coffin. The husband of the deceased, who was away during the incident, informed the police that his late ex-spouse was a member of the Johrei cult. He does not suspect foul play in the deaths.

Johrei, meaning “purifying” in Japanese and “spirit or soul” in Rei, is a type of energy healing practice established in the 1930s in Japan by Mokichi Okada. It aims to solve problems of illness, poverty, and conflicts, promoting the idea of surrendering human experiences to God. Followers believe they can channel “divine light” to alleviate physical and emotional pain.

Introduced to Thailand in 1968 by a Japanese man, Johrei initially gained recognition and even the status of a Mahayana Buddhist sect from the Thai government’s Religious Affairs Department, which was later cancelled in 1984. By 2023, the follower count had more than doubled, with religious sites established in various Thai provinces.

Johrei followers must adhere to a code of conduct and pay for membership and items like the “O-Hikari” pendant. The cult categorizes its members from entry-level to master level, with master members serving as preachers. Each branch is allowed only one master-level member.

Critics of Johrei claim that the cult’s teachings significantly deviate from the founder’s ideals and may constitute “brainwashing.” Concerns have been raised about followers rejecting modern medicine in favor of the sect’s healing methods, leading to adverse health outcomes. There is currently no official record of the number of Johrei believers in Thailand.