Thai ghost folklore is vivid and taken seriously across all social classes — the entities and traditions explained.
A spirit that possesses people — usually women — causing illness; the belief persists and possessions are treated by spirit doctors (maw phi).
The floating head — a woman's head with luminous floating entrails; a common horror film staple based on actual Thai belief.
The ghost of someone who died suddenly or violently — considered dangerous because they haven't accepted their death; offerings made to placate them.
A hungry ghost that can possess people or animals; the subject of many Thai horror films.
Spirit houses, amulets, and shamanic practices are all responses to the belief in phi — the most educated Thai might have a spirit house and wear an amulet simultaneously.
