The Thai people have a deep belief in ghosts and spirits. It is part of everyday life in Thailand, indeed there are many celebrations and religious activities associated with ghosts and spirits including the famous “Phi Ta Khon” festival in Isaan.
It is therefore perhaps not surprising that a special art exhibition is currently running in Bangkok at the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC). The exhibition, which started on 24th August runs through until November 26th this year, takes a look at Thai ghosts and spirits and their relationship with modern day Thailand, the folklore behind them and how it came about. The exhibition is entitled “Spirits: Creativities from Beyond.”
The exhibition is however not just about the history of Thai ghosts and the folklore that created them since the creators attempt to take their audience to another level and examine their own fear of ghosts and spirits.
“Fear is used to make the exhibition more exciting,” he explained. “But the main point of the exhibition is to make us better understand fear and see how we deal with it through our customs and culture. [This exhibition] is just one example of the belief industry. We want the audience to learn more how belief can be used for businesses in the creative industry. We hope this exhibition achieves this purpose.”
Given that many of the exhibitions audience are likely to be Thai people my guess is that they already have a healthy respect for ghosts and spirits anyway. Fed to no small extent by the nightly offerings on the nations free to view TV channels.
Viewed from a Western perspective it is easy to say that Thais tend to be somewhat obsessed with the spirit world. Indeed it is very big business in Thailand with most homes having a spirit house in the garden and many Thais wearing amulets or tattoos to protect them from bad luck and evil spirits.
However given the Buddhist belief in birth and rebirth perhaps the apparent obsession in ghosts and spirits in Thailand can be explained as a way in which Thais view the transitional phase between the two states.
Footnote:
Entrance to the exhibition is free.
The TCDC is located on 6th Floor, The Emporium Shopping Complex, 10.30 – 21.00. (Closed Mondays) For more information, please contact TCDC Information Counter. Tel. 02 664 8448.
The final part of the short video from China News covers the exhibition.
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