Cover Thrilling Thai horror movies to watch (Photo: Instagram / @film_roll_explanation)

Here are the best Thai horror movie picks that will keep you on the edge of your seat

There’s something about Thai horror films that keep you up at night, even more so than other movies in the horror genre. Perhaps it’s the unique blend of supernatural elements, rich folklore, and psychological thrills which evokes genuine fear and taps into a spectrum of human feelings as we watch these chilling movies. Rooted in a culture steeped in spiritual beliefs and ghost stories, these films often reflect the complexities of Thai society while also exploring themes of love, loss and the supernatural.

As Halloween approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the eerie atmosphere than by diving into the world of Thai horror. From spine-chilling ghost tales that tap into age-old folklore to psychological thrillers that delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche, Thai horror offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every taste.

So, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience filled with unsettling moments that will linger long after the credits roll.

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1. Shutter

A landmark film in Thai horror, Shutter follows Tun, a photographer and his girlfriend Jane who becomes haunted by a woman who they accidentally ran over after a party. They begin experiencing disturbing occurrences after the tragic incident from experiencing severe neck pains to finding mysterious shadows in Tun’s photographs.

2. Laddaland

In this 2011 film, a family moves into a new neighbourhood only to find themselves plagued by supernatural occurrences. The film explores themes of familial bonds and the impact of fear on relationships as they confront the malevolent forces at play in their new home.

3. Nang Nak

Based on the Thai legend Mae Nak Phra Khanong, the supernatural film follows a man who senses something ominous about his wife and child as he returns home from war. Despite being a horror film, the movie tells a touching love story with a tragic undertone.

4. Coming Soon

This meta-horror film follows Som, a theatre worker who illegally pirates a horror movie only to find himself living through its terrifying plot. As supernatural events unfold around him, Som must confront the consequences of his actions while navigating the thin line between fiction and reality. The 2008 film cleverly plays with audience expectations and is filled with jump scares and dark humour.

5. The Maid

This supernatural film follows Joy, a new maid in a royal house. As she begins to uncover the disappearance of the family’s former maid, she experiences strange incidents around the home. There is also a ghost haunting the house—one that only Joy and the family’s youngest child can see.

6. The Medium

Directed by Shutter’s Banjong Pisanthanakun and produced by South Korean Horror movie The Wailing’s Na Hong-jin, The Medium is a mockumentary following Nim, a shaman who claims to be possessed by the spirit of a local goddess. However, they quickly learn that the goddess isn’t the one possessing Nim.

7. Pee Mak

Blending comedy and horror, this movie is another adaptation of the famous Thai Mae Nak Phra Khanong legend. The film follows Mak, who returns home from war to find his wife Nak and unborn baby as wandering ghosts. One of Thailand’s highest-grossing films, this movie incorporates humour while delivering moments of suspense and terror.

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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.