As head of the SPI's unresolved mysteries section, he is also letting other members study his experiences.

'I've been studying the various practices in Thai spiritualism, like needle insertion, for years,' he said.

'I used myself as a test subject. SPI members took photos and videos of the insertion process so there will be material for study in future.'

The insertion was not painful, he claimed. It was 'just like an ant-bite'.

The talismans are inserted in the throat, arms and abdomen area using a syringe.

They are supposed to protect the owner from physical danger, like accidents.

'But only if the person's spiritual belief is there,' added Mr Choo.

If inserted in the throat, the talisman is supposed to 'enhance speech, singing and persuasive powers'.

Using only the fingers, the needles can be inserted in the back of the arms, the chest, near the temples, the forehead, back and legs.

Archan Numdit said: 'The needles forewarn against danger by poking the person.

'If the person's 'mindfulness' is good, he will be warned about three days in advance. But most people will be warned about 10 to 15 minutes in advance.'

According to Mr Choo, they can even warn against being sold a fake diamond or getting caught for a traffic violation. Once again, these claims are unverifiable.

Believers said they accept that the needles' 'power' may all be in the mind.

Archan Numdit claimed: 'The needle is like a middleman for Buddha's teachings.

'A lay person needs something to motivate and inspire them to follow the precepts, which will help calm thoughts and increase mindfulness.'

Mindful of cost, one might ask: How much?

Each needle or talisman costs $60.

Part of the proceeds will go towards completing the construction of Wat Dongweewek, the temple near Hua Hin that Archan Numdit said he is from.

The monk added he reserved the right to turn some people away.

'I've rejected people who come in with many wants - a big house, a big car, a rich spouse. Or those who want to gamble and ask to prosper,' he said.

'A person in yellow robes (a monk) is not supposed to give out lucky numbers.

'I'll advise the person to live within his means and to do more for charity. The person who strikes lottery is the one who has done lots of good deeds.'

Disinfectant

The monk says a short prayer over each person before swabbing the area of insertion with disinfectant.

Salesman Charles Huang, 26, had two needles inserted near his temples and one in his chest on 3Nov.

He gave it a try after hearing about the monk.

He said: 'I was worried about infections initially, but I saw the bottles of sterilising alcohol and felt better.

'I'm hoping for better judgment so customers will like my recommendations. I also want the ability to stay calm when people try to be 'funny'.'

Archan Numdit said he himself has many needles in his body, but declined to give a figure, saying the number does not matter.

Smiling, Mr Choo said: 'The metal detector at the airport was not triggered by Archan when he arrived here.'

This story was first published in The New Paper on Nov 13, 2008.