When it comes to horror, the Asian films surpass the Hollywood ones in terms of being the most terrifying ones and often one associates the horror industry with Thailand, why? Because the country is one of the top Asian countries that specialises in producing the scariest, creepiest, and most realistic (cause relying on pricey CGI is out of the question) horror movies that will surely send chills down one's bones. With a reputation of releasing numerous good quality horror films with decent cinematography and realistic acting performance, it can be said that Thailand has established itself as a horror-making powerhouse. Although there have been quite a number of Thai horror films over the years since 1958's "Mae Nak Phra Khanong", it was Nonzee Nimibutr's "Nang Nak" in 1999 that had given a breath of fresh air to contemporary Thai horror films that were quickly followed by more. Proving that even Hollywood can't beat the pull these Thai horror films deliver, the 2013 Thai horror "Pee Mak Phra Khanong" is to date the highest grossing movie in Thailand of all-time at USD18.1 million, almost double what the typical Hollywood blockbusters make in the region (USD9.6 million for 2014's "Transformers: Age Of Extinction; the second highest grossing movie in Thailand of all-time.) Even South East Asian countries, especially Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia are regular customers when it comes to bringing and screening these Thai horror films to our screens, so seeing them at the cinemas at least once or twice a month is as common as your next superhero film made available in cinemas. If you're one of the few who have not seen what Thai horror films have to offer, or the many who just can't get enough, here's our top 5 Thai horror films that are a must watch! Coming Soon (2008)
A gory and terrifying horror film about a guy named Shane who works at a local cinema and sells pirated movies for side income. When Shane decided to bootleg an upcoming horror film about a psychotic woman who was hanged to death because she abducts and blinds the eyes of children, he is haunted by the vengeful ghost in the film and somehow gets transported into the movie itself. "Coming Soon" is no doubt one of the most gruesome and creepiest Thai horror movies ever made. The film is different from the typical horror genre fare and certainly earns the originality status. The film is the directorial debut of Sophon Sakdaphisit which starred Chantavit Dhanasev, famous for his 2010 romantic comedy film, "Hello Stranger". Also, the scariest part of the film is that it takes place in a cinema! 4bia/Phobia (2008)
A horror anthology which comprises of four spooky stories with definitely at least one story that would scare you out of your wits! Firstly, "Loneliness" is about a disabled lonely woman who befriends a stranger through text messages, only to find out that he is not alive. Secondly, "Deadly Charm" is about a group of bullies who are cursed by the spirit of the boy they had beaten to death, and each of the bullies ends up dying horrifyingly. Thirdly, "The Man in the Middle" is about four friends who go kayaking in a forest and one of them dies, but one night the friend suddenly returns. Lastly, "The Last Flight" is about a stewardess who is requested to accompany the corpse of a princess in a plane all by herself. Each of the stories are directed by different directors with a different cast. The film has got all the elements of comedy, suspense, thrills and drama. If you like watching scary short stories all packed in one single movie, then this is your choice! Ladda Land (2011)
A typical horror movie about moving into a new house, follows a family man named Thee who moves from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with his whole family in a new housing area called Ladda Land. However, what the family does not know is that many were sacrificed during the construction of Ladda Land, which means that the area is inhabited with a lot of angry spirits. "Ladda Land" is a classic horror story with a firm plot. Though the plot may sound simple and common, the story is actually a lot deeper and serious than it seems, putting negative emotions such as grief, anger and depression into play. This is a story with more than one ghost to scare the hell out of you! Shutter (2004)
This horror feature follows Tun, a photographer and his girlfriend, Jane. One day, Tun and Jane gets involved in a hit-and-run accident. After the accident, strange events start to occur when a mysterious figure starts appearing in each of Tun's photo. After a series of scary events, Jane learned the truth behind Tun's past and the mysterious figure that keeps haunting them. "Shutter" may be one of the best Thai horror films of all time spawning an American remake in 2008 and an Indian remake in 2010. Directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, the film became Thailand's 5th highest grossing film of the year. The film definitely makes us think twice when taking pictures. Selfies anyone? Pee Mak Phra Khanong (2013)
A man named Mak has to leave his wife to serve for war during the Rattanakosin Dynasty. There, he befriends Ter, Puak, Shin, and Aey, whose lives he saved. When the war is over, Mak invites his four friends to his village and introduces them to his wife and newborn son. However, rumours have been circulating around the village that Mak's wife had died while giving birth and now a ghost haunts their house. Determined to warn and convince Mak of the rumours, the four friends find ways to tell Mak the truth without angering his dead wife. "Pee Mak Phra Khanong" is definitely one of a kind, mixing comedy and horror together confusing viewers on whether to laugh or be scared. The film is the highest grossing Thai film to date and is also one of Asia's highest grossing films of all time. "Pee Mak" is full of humorous moments and stupidity along with scenes that will make you jump from your seat. This film proves that you can be scared and happy at the same time and still drive in audiences by the thousands.