BANGKOK — Thai ghosts uniquely blend traditional beliefs, superstition and Buddhism. For as long as there has been film, this national obsession has made its way onto celluloid in countless horror movies popular at home and abroad.

Equally unique are the posters that bombastically promote them with fear, humor and sex from the classic, hand-painted era to today’s Photoshop techniques.

To get ready for Halloween, here are some of the spookiest movie posters for a proper education on the most popular Phi (ghost) in the media, including some reimagined from Hollywood. (Scroll to end for full interactive gallery.)

Thanks to Philip Jablon of the Southeast Asia Movie Theater Project with finding many of the classic posters.

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Mae Nak

“Pee Mak kaaaaa,” Mae Nak, that most enduring ghost of pop culture, calls her husband from beyond death. In its many versions on screens big and small, the story follows Mae Nak’s undying love for her husband, who is drafted and sent to war. She dies during labor but continues waiting with their little baby. The horror story is thought to be based on real events, and pilgrims can find a shrine to Mae Nak at Wat Mahabut in Soi On Nut 7.

In 1936, “Nang Nak Phra Khanong” wasn’t just the first Mae Nak film, it was the first Thai horror film period. It was more memorably remade 23 years later in 1959, in Mae Nak Phra Khanong,” which made Preeya Rungruang a superstar forever associated with the role.

Mae Nak Phra Khanong” 1959 starring Preeya Rungruang.
Mae Nak Phra Khanong” 1959 starring Preeya Rungruang.
Preeya Rungruang reprised the role in 1962’s 'Vinyan Rak Mae Nak Phra Khanong (Mae Nak Phra Khanong’s Loving Spirit)'
Preeya Rungruang reprised the role in 1962’s ‘Vinyan Rak Mae Nak Phra Khanong (Mae Nak Phra Khanong’s Loving Spirit)’
‘Mae Nak Kanong Rak (Mae Nak’s Wild Love)’ in 1968 saw Preeya Rungruang return to the role a third time.
‘Mae Nak Kanong Rak (Mae Nak’s Wild Love)’ in 1968 saw Preeya Rungruang return to the role a third time.
Preeya Rungruang’s fourth and final outing as Mae Nak in 1978’s ‘Mae Nak Phra Khanong’
Preeya Rungruang’s fourth and final outing as Mae Nak in 1978’s ‘Mae Nak Phra Khanong’
In 1970, Mae Nak was back in ‘Mae Nak Phra Nakhon,’ which starred legendary actors Mitr Chaibancha and Aranya Namwong.
In 1970, Mae Nak was back in ‘Mae Nak Phra Nakhon,’ which starred legendary actors Mitr Chaibancha and Aranya Namwong.
Mae Nak was too big to keep in Thailand. She went abroad as seen in these posters, including 1975’s “Mae Nak America” aka “The Pot,” with Lisa Farringer as Mae Nak.
Mae Nak was too big to keep in Thailand. She went abroad as seen in these posters, including 1975’s “Mae Nak America” aka “The Pot,” with Lisa Farringer as Mae Nak.
‘Mae Nak Invades Tokyo’ (1976), at left, and a self-aware turn in 1987’s ‘Mae Nak 30’
‘Mae Nak Invades Tokyo’ (1976), at left, and a self-aware turn in 1987’s ‘Mae Nak 30’
Nak Today: Critics approved of 1999’s “Nang Nak,” at left, but in 2013 it was audiences that made “Pee Mak Phra Nakhon” break box office records to become the highest grossing movie at the time.
Nak Today: Critics approved of 1999’s ‘Nang Nak,’ at left, but in 2013 it was audiences that made ‘Pee Mak Phra Nakhon’ break box office records to become the highest grossing movie at the time.

Pop

Pop is also a popular Phi known its appetite for gore. Pop has appeared in many films, most notably the Baan Phi Pop (Phi Pop’s House) series that has seen many installments – 15 to be exact – since 1989 when Nattanee Sitthisaman first starred as Pop Yip, a woman possessed by a vicious female, gut-munching spirit.

The original 1989 ‘Baan Phi Pop (Phi Pop’s House)’
The original 1989 ‘Baan Phi Pop (Phi Pop’s House)’
Then ‘Baan Phi Pop (Phi Pop’s House)’ Nos. 6 & 7. In the latter 1992 film, the ghost goes to Preah Vihear Temple.
Then ‘Baan Phi Pop (Phi Pop’s House)’ Nos. 6 & 7. In the latter 1992 film, the ghost goes to Preah Vihear Temple.
No. 10 at left and 'Baan Phi Pop Reformation,' the latest installment from 2011
No. 10 at left and ‘Baan Phi Pop Reformation,’ the latest installment from 2011

Krasue

A woman’s head floating above a bundle of organs would be a striking sight anywhere, and in Thailand Krasue is another iconic ghost known to all for roaming around at night in a quest to find raw meat and filth to chow down on. Filmmakers can’t decide whether she is scary or sweet.

From left, ‘Krasue Sao (Ghosts of Guts Eater)’ (1973), ‘Krasue’ (1982) and ‘Krasue Sing (Speedy Krasue)’ (1990).
From left, ‘Krasue Sao (Ghosts of Guts Eater)’ (1973), ‘Krasue’ (1982) and ‘Krasue Sing (Speedy Krasue)’ (1990).
‘Krasue Krahailueat (Bloodthirsty Krasue)’ (1995), at left, and ‘Krasue Valentine’ (2006).
‘Krasue Krahailueat (Bloodthirsty Krasue)’ (1995), at left, and ‘Krasue Valentine’ (2006).

Ghost vs. Ghost

Sometimes ghosts fight one another.

From left, ‘Krasue Bites Pop’ (1990), 'Mae Nak Meets Phi Pop' (1992) and ‘Krasue Fights Pop' (2009).
From left, ‘Krasue Bites Pop’ (1990), ‘Mae Nak Meets Phi Pop’ (1992) and ‘Krasue Fights Pop’ (2009).

Ghost Animals

Ghosts can take animal form too, be it snake, gecko, bat, tiger or crocodile.

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Sexy Ghosts

Why not?

'Phi Sao Hysteria (Hysterical Young Female Ghost)' (1975)
‘Phi Sao Hysteria (Hysterical Young Female Ghost)’ (1975)
'Phi Or Or (Teenage Ghost)' (1984 horror comedy)
‘Phi Or Or (Teenage Ghost)’ (1984 horror comedy)

 

Bonus: Hollywood Horror in Thailand

Here are some iconic Hollywood horror films rendered in Thai poster style.

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