NAKHON RATCHASIMA: People rushing to soak in a "magic mud" found coming out from the ground in Ban Luam district, and even drinking the water, have been warned it's more likely to cause illness than cure it.

Volunteers on Wednesday put up warning signs at the clay holes, or "soap holes" as local health officials call them, found at Nong Kung Noi village.

The clay only recently began emerging from the ground at nine spots in paddy fields over an area of 10 rai. The story quickly spread that it was a magical mud, and people rushed to scoop it up.

They happily covered their bodies and faces in the yellow mud in the belief it could cure all diseases.

Chaiwon Phankham, 52, said neighbours told him the mud was holy. They said it would nourish the skin if applied to the face and body,

Some went so far as to drink the water from the mud, he said.

Thongchan Seemum, 47, was more wary, especially after seeing the signposted warnings, saying she would not touch the mud or the water. She had not seen anyone cured of anything after drinking the water or covering themselves with it, she said.

The village head had earlier warned people not to apply the mud on their face or body until geologists had finished testing its content and health officials decided if it was safe or not.

His warning was ignored.