The Civilization of Spirits: The Relationship of Ghosts in the Siamese Kingdom

This article presents an overview of the “relationship between ghosts and spirits” within the context of the Siamese Kingdom, examining the role of spirit beliefs as a deep-rooted cultural foundation from prehistoric times to contemporary Thai society. Archaeological evidence such as Stone Age human remains, stone tools and the rock paintings at Si Khiew Cave demonstrates a longstanding awareness and transmission of spiritual beliefs in this region. Thai ghosts are explored through multiple dimensions, including ancestral spirits, household spirits, nature spirits, and region-specific ghost traditions, all of which reflect systems of values, morality, social order and cultural identity. The study also covers beliefs in object-bound spirits, as well as ritualistic communication with spirits through practices such as the “glass spirit” game, coin-based spirit divination and ghost-related lottery rituals. The article argues that ghost beliefs in Siam are not mere superstition but rather a complex system of communication and relationships that continue to influence Thai society today.