Hello everyone, it's Sirinya here! I've always been fascinated by ghost stories and urban legends, and as a Thai native, I've heard my fair share of spooky tales from my country. Today, I want to share with you a particularly haunting story from Thailand's folklore – the tale of the Preta ghost.
The word "Preta" comes from the Pali language, which is the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism. Pretas are commonly known as hungry ghosts – spirits that are trapped in a realm between life and death. According to Thai beliefs, Pretas are said to appear as emaciated human-like figures with bloated stomachs and long necks. They are said to have insatiable appetites and are always searching for food and water.
Now, the Preta ghost tale that I'm about to share with you is a truly spooky one. It takes place in an old temple in central Thailand, where the locals have long believed that the spirit of a Preta haunts the site. Legend has it that a group of monks once decided to perform an exorcism to rid the temple of the Preta. They set up a special altar and began chanting prayers and offering food to the ghost. For a while, things seemed to be going well – the Preta seemed to be appeased and had stopped haunting the temple.
However, their relief was short-lived. One of the monks decided to cheat the ghost by offering it a plate of sand covered in banana leaves instead of real food. This angered the Preta, who decided to exact revenge on the monks. It began to stalk them, appearing to them in their dreams and causing them to fall into a deep sleep from which they could not wake. The terrified monks consulted a renowned medium who advised them to offer the Preta a golden bowl filled with holy water. The water would calm the ghost and appease its appetite for good. But would this be enough to stop the hungry ghost from haunting them forever? You'll have to read on to find out!
The Origins of the Preta Ghost
In Thai culture, supernatural beings are not just part of spooky tales but also play a significant role in religious beliefs. The Preta ghost, also known as Hungry Ghosts, is a popular character in Thai folklore, often seen as wanderers in the afterlife.
The origins of the Preta Ghost are rooted in Buddhist mythology, where it's believed that those who commit evil deeds during their life on earth are doomed to become ghosts in the afterlife. The Preta Ghosts are beings who suffer from intense hunger and thirst, yet they cannot eat or drink as punishment for their previous actions.
In Thailand, the Preta Ghost is usually depicted as having a bloated belly and emaciated limbs, constantly searching for food and water with a burning desire that can never be quenched. They're believed to inhabit forests, abandoned buildings, and cemeteries, and to appear before humans who venture into their territories.
The Characteristics of a Preta Ghost
The Preta Ghost's physical appearance is memorable: their matted hair, sunken eyes, and skeletal frame make them an eerie sight. Often, they're depicted digging through piles of garbage and waste, looking for something to eat.
In addition to its appearance, the Preta Ghost has several characteristics that make it stand out from other supernatural beings:
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Uncontrollable Hunger: As mentioned before, the Preta Ghost is cursed with an unquenchable hunger. They'll eat anything they can find, from insects to human flesh.
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Incessant Thirst: In addition to hunger, Preta Ghosts suffer from an intense thirst that can't be satisfied.
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Greediness: Due to their endless hunger, Preta Ghosts often become greedy, hoarding food and fighting other ghosts.
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Punishment: It's believed that they've been cursed with this unbearable hunger and thirst as punishment for their past transgressions.
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Restlessness: The Preta Ghost is constantly restless, wandering the earth in search of food and comfort.
The Haunting Tales of the Preta Ghost
Preta Ghosts are often portrayed in Thai legends and ghost stories as tormented spirits, doomed to roam the earth for eternity.
One such legend tells of a Preta Ghost who haunts a temple compound in Bangkok, stealing offerings and food left by the devotees. The ghost is said to be so strong that it can physically harm humans, locking them inside the compound until they donate more food as an offering.
Another infamous Preta Ghost tale is that of a spirit who terrorizes fishermen along the Mekong River. According to legend, the ghost would pull boats under the water, drowning the occupants to quench their thirst before disappearing into the night.
The Most Haunted Places in Thailand
Thailand has many haunted places that are rumored to be the dwelling places of Preta Ghosts. Here are three that will give you chills:
- The Sathorn Unique Tower: Also known as the Ghost Tower, this unfinished skyscraper in Bangkok has been abandoned for decades. Locals say that the tower is haunted by the ghosts of workers who died during the construction of the building.
- The Hellfire Pass: Located in Kanchanaburi, this site was once used as a Japanese Labor camp during World War II. It's believed that the tortured spirits of the prisoners still haunt the area.
- The Mae Nak Shrine: Located in Bangkok, this shrine is built in honor of Mae Nak, a woman who died during childbirth. It's believed that her ghost haunts the area, looking for her husband who betrayed her.
The Significance of Ghosts in Thai Culture
In Thai culture, ghosts are not just a source of spooky tales and entertainment, but they also play a vital role in religious beliefs and practices. The belief in ghosts is rooted in Buddhist teachings, which state that all beings are reborn after death, with many possibilities for what that rebirth will look like, including coming back as a ghost.
Additionally, Thai people often seek the help of ghosts for personal problems, such as health issues or relationship troubles. People will leave offerings to ghosts, hoping that they'll grant them favors and protection.
How to Protect Yourself from Preta Ghosts
If you're ever in Thailand and want to avoid encountering a Preta Ghost, there are some precautions you can take. Here are a few tips:
- Do not visit haunted places alone, especially at night.
- Always carry protective amulets or charms, such as the Pra Somdej amulet, which is believed to protect against ghosts.
- Offer food or drink to appease the ghost if you encounter one.
- Avoid making jokes or disrespectful comments about ghosts.
Conclusion: Embrace the Spooky Side of Thailand
Thai folklore is full of fascinating stories of supernatural beings like Preta Ghosts. These stories can be both terrifying and intriguing, revealing insight into Thai beliefs and culture. While belief in ghosts can be unsettling, it's important to respect and appreciate the role that these supernatural beings play in Thai society. Embrace the spooky side of Thailand, but never forget to show respect for the supernatural world.
