Staunch Atheist Converts After Witnessing “Undeniable Miracle” of 46 Lady Drinks Appearing on Tab Without Ordering Them
By TRENT MACGUFFIN, EDITORIAL INTERN
PATTAYA, THAILAND — A self-described atheist and skeptic has publicly renounced his disbelief in higher powers after experiencing what he called an "undeniable miracle" during a Tuesday night outing at the Gentle Breeze Beer Bar near Soi Made In Thailand.
The man, Colin Featherstone, 38, visiting from Reading, England, said he had only intended to stop in for “one quick pint and a think” after a difficult day explaining his location to his wife back in Britain. Instead, he was handed a final bill that listed 46 lady drinks, totaling more than 10,000 baht.
“I didn’t even order them,” Featherstone said. “One minute I was alone with my Chang, the next I owed more than my weekly rent. There’s no rational explanation. It just... happened.”
Featherstone, who had previously lectured friends on the dangers of magical thinking, says he now believes in “some sort of higher power.” He says he plans to begin attending church upon his return to England.
CCTV footage from the bar shows a procession of at least 15 women approaching Featherstone’s table over a three-hour period. Most stayed for less than two minutes. One was carrying a fan. Several were dancing. All appear to have received a drink on his tab.
The bar’s owner, Mr. Santi (who would only give his first name), said such events were not uncommon. “Sometimes, the foreigner attracts energy,” he said, shrugging. “You cannot stop the drinks if the energy is open.”
Featherstone has since begun attending meditation workshops in Jomtien and was seen comparing karma to compound interest.
Asked if he still identified as an atheist, Featherstone paused. “Let’s just say I’m open to forces beyond myself,” he said. “Especially around happy hour.”
At press time, Featherstone was debating whether to tell his wife whether the unexpected credit card charge was “part of a cultural workshop on Thai hospitality practices,” or “a spontaneous charitable donation to small businesses in emerging markets.”