Beyond Hollywood: The Enigmatic World of Thai Ghosts in Cinema

Caution: Before you proceed, please be advised that this article features posters from Thai horror films. If you’re faint-hearted or have just finished a meal, you might want to skip scrolling down.

Dear friends,

I recently arrived in Bangkok to stay at Cinema Oasis, to start my research on Thai ghosts.

Last year, I discovered that Thailand has a rich culture surrounding ghosts.

From my understanding, ghosts are everywhere, inhabiting everything from trees and houses to rocks. They can either possess or assist people. Also every Thai house has a small tiny-house for these spirits.

Thai ghosts differ from the typical Hollywood depiction. They’re more like spirits. One particularly intriguing ghost is the Krasue.

When a woman is possessed by the Krasue, her head detaches from her body while she sleeps. The head, complete with internal organs, then floats around the village, consuming animals and people.

Despite its prominence in Thai culture, the Krasue was new to me. There are numerous films about it, and I’d like to take this chance to share some of my favourite Krasue movie posters with you.

Well… That’s that.

Also I met met again with Rattawich Worawarechai. He is a talented horror-film-producer from Thailand. Also he is a walking lexicon when it comes to horror-movies. Incredible…

Much love from Bangkok,

Marius