As a part of Thai culture, folklore and legends play a significant role, and it reflects the history of the country's beliefs and traditions. Thailand's rich culture includes many tales of supernatural beings and ghosts that have been passed down through generations. Some of these stories have stood the test of time and have become famous for their eerie and spine-chilling nature. In this article, I will be sharing some of the most bone-chilling ghost stories that will keep you awake at night.
First on the list is the story of "Mae Nak Phra Khanong," which is believed to be one of the most famous and widely known ghost stories in Thailand. Legend has it that a woman named Nak lived with her husband, Mak, in a village close to the Phra Khanong canal. When Nak was giving birth to their child, both Nak and the child died. The news of their death never reached Mak, who was away at war. Upon his return, he was greeted by his wife and child, who were still alive due to the protection and power of Nak's love. Nak's love kept her and her child bound to the earthly realm as spirits, and she continued to protect and care for her family, even after death. To this day, people believe that the spirit of Mae Nak Phra Khanong still resides by the canal, sometimes appearing to couples walking along the bank.
Another popular ghost story is that of the "Krasue," a female spirit who is believed to have a human face on top of her organs and stomach. The name "Krasue" comes from the Cambodian word "Kraus," which translates to "ugly." According to the legend, the Krasue is born when a woman becomes cursed or when she commits a terrible sin. At night, the Krasue spirit separates from the human body and flies around the village to various locations, feasting on livestock or babies.
If you're looking for a thrill and enjoy spooky tales, delve into these stories, but don’t say I didn't warn you. The tales and legends of ghosts and spirits will continue to pique the interest of people worldwide, striking just the right balance of fear and fascination.
Mae Nak Phra Khanong: A Beloved Ghost
Mae Nak Phra Khanong is one of the most well-known ghost stories in Thailand. The legend is that Mae Nak and her husband, Mak, were deeply in love. Mak had to leave to join the army, but when he came back, he found that his wife had died during childbirth.
However, Mae Nak did not actually die, and she continued to live as a ghost. She kept Mak in the dark by pretending to be alive, and the two continued to live in their house together. Neighbors started to notice that something wasn't right – Mae Nak never left the house and was constantly seen holding her baby. When some brave townspeople investigated, they found the truth: Mae Nak was a ghost!
Mae Nak refused to let go of her husband, and she continued to haunt him even after he left the house. The ghostly couple became a legend and the story has been retold many times through various mediums such as films, TV series and plays.
Krahang: The Bogeyman
Krahang is a terrifying spirit in Thai folk belief. It is said that Krahang is a shape-shifting creature that can take on the appearance of a human or an animal. In its human form, it appears to be an old man with gray hair and a hunched back.
Krahang is known for kidnapping children and eating their organs. It's also believed that Krahang has the power to make itself invisible to humans by spitting on them. If you ever find yourself in dark alleyways or deserted roads in Thailand, beware of this bogeyman!
Phi Krasue: The Flying Head Ghost
Phi Krasue is a ghost that appears in many Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand. It is said to be a spirit of a woman who was punished by the gods to suffer from a terrifying curse after breaking taboos or causing harm to others.
The ghost of Phi Krasue manifests itself as a flying head with entrails hanging below it. It moves across the night sky searching for blood and raw flesh to feed on. Some people think that it's an evil ghost that spreads disease, while others believe that it preys on pregnant women and their fetuses.
Phi Tai Hong: The Spirit of Red Death
Phi Tai Hong is another terrifying ghost that Thais fear. It is believed that this ghost is a spirit of a person who died a violent death. The ghost is similar to the Western Grim Reaper but instead of a black robe, they wear a red one.
The ghost of Phi Tai Hong is said to hunt down those who have wronged it. The spirits will appear in your dreams and will stalk you until you've paid for your mistake. In some cases, they even attack children and inflict unbearable pain on them.
Phi Am: The Ghost of Accidents
Phi Am is the ghost of accidents. It is believed that this ghost is responsible for causing mishaps by playing tricks on people. It lurks in places where there have been accidental deaths such as roads, rivers, and construction sites.
If you ever encounter Phi Am, it would be best to move quietly and avoid eye contact. In some cases, it manifests itself as a floating head, while in other instances, it appears in its full ghostly form. The ghost of Phi Am is renowned for causing accidents and misfortunes and is considered to be one of the most dangerous ghosts in the Thai folklore.
Phi Song Nang: The Vengeful Ghost of a Beauty
The legend of Phi Song Nang is a tragic one. It's a ghost story of a beautiful woman who was betrayed and left to die. The woman became a ghost after she was murdered, and her spirit turned into a vengeful one.
It is believed that Phi Song Nang wanders around lonely villages and abandoned houses at night, crying hysterically. The sound of her cries is chilling and can be heard from miles away. Phi Song Nang is a ghost that is feared by both men and women.
People who encounter Phi Song Nang are advised to run away as quickly as possible. Whoever hears her voice risks being tricked into joining her wandering spirit. They will then accompany her as her companion forever.
Conclusion
Thai folklore is steeped in mystery and spooky stories, and some of the ghosts mentioned here may not be for the faint-hearted. The belief in these spirits is widespread in Thailand, with many people taking precautions to avoid them.
While these tales may seem far-fetched to outsiders, they reflect the deep-rooted beliefs of the Thai people and their reverence for ancestors and other spirits. If you're interested in the macabre side of Thai culture, there are plenty of ghost tours and attractions you can visit in Thailand.
What's your favorite Thai ghost story? Have you ever encountered a ghost in Thailand? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
