Book Review: Ghosts in Thai Culture

Abstract

Ghosts in Thai Culture written by experts from various fields and civil servants under the Fine Arts Department, aims to present local folk beliefs about ghosts as the foundation and origin of ghost-related beliefs in Thai culture. Deeply rooted in Thai society, these beliefs date back to prehistoric times. Sustained by afterlife traditions and rites practiced by villagers, they have gradually evolved into enduring and pervasive cultural traditions embraced by the Thai people and the monarchy alike. In contemporary society, “ghosts” have become a form of cultural capital that generates economic value and permeates modern media, including novels, films, television series, and social media platforms. By embracing ghost motifs, these media products often achieve widespread domestic and international popularity. This book is therefore regarded as a significant academic publication that synthesizes historical, archaeological, cultural, folkloric, anthropological, and communication arts perspectives in its examination of ghosts in Thai culture.