The scariest Thai horror films to watch this Halloween

A teacher resorts to black magic to get back at students who caused her misery in the past.

Long Kong (which means to dare the devil) is the second instalment in the Art of the Devil series by Five Star Studio. This subsequent attempt, which has nothing to do with the first film, is the most craftily made film in the series. 

It offers a disturbing scene every two minutes and is probably the best film for anyone looking for a slasher flick that gives insights into the superstitious beliefs shared by Southeast Asian cultures.

Three girlfriends tell three tales of terror in a darkened Bangkok bar. These stories are about an antique haunted by the past, a love potion with deadly consequences, and the mysterious case of a girl who commits suicide. We challenge you to name the scariest story.

Bangkok Haunted was the trailblazer, paving the way for horror anthologies in Thai cinema before 4bia (2008) became a smash hit and set a new trend and is also included in this list below. The latter was the first horror compilation film in the country and made a huge amount of money thanks to its chilling scenes and compelling narrative. The film dives deep into the world of Thai superstitions, creating stories that will creep up on you and send shivers down your spine. No outright jump scares here.

Bangkok Haunted was also the first collaboration between director Oxide Pang and his twin brother, David. They went on to direct the highly successful Hong Kong-Singaporean horror film, The Eye (2002).

A projectionist records a movie called Evil Spirit in the cinema for purposes of piracy, breaking the law in the process. He is soon haunted by the dreadful ghost character in the film.

Coming Soon is a hit thanks to its perfectly timed jump scares and a well-written script. It was written by Sophon Sakdapisit, the same screenwriter behind Shutter (2004). Coming Soon was Sophon's directorial debut. But what really grabs your attention is how it breaks the fourth wall and directs the scare tactics to the audience, creating a more immersive experience.

This is the first Thai film to tackle the issue of movie piracy head-on. The film's catchphrase, "Do you want to see me die, huh?", posed a direct question to those supporting this illegal trade. It made it clear that the film industry will die if this continues.

After discovering that his father is having an affair, Ton is sent away to boarding school, where he finds it difficult to fit in with his classmates – but not with Vichien, a lonely boy who is later revealed to be the drowning ghost in the school's urban legend.

When it was being promoted, Dorm (2006) seemed like just another ghost story, especially with its boarding school setting. However, the film's saving grace is its exploration of relatable themes such as friendship, coming of age and guilt.

Songyos Sugmakanan is the director of this drama-slash-horror film, which features a long list of popular Thai movies and series in its credits, including My Girl (2003), one of our favourite rom-coms, the Hormones series, and In Family We Trust (2018).

The chilling Ghost Game takes us on a journey with 11 contestants who bravely step into the spotlight for a thrilling “reality” show that will have you on the edge of your seat.

The film faced backlash from Cambodia due to the resemblance of its setting to Tuol Sleng, the actual site of the Cambodian genocide back in the 1970s. The eerie setting of Ghost Game is undeniably unsettling, intensifying the trauma as we bear witness to each character's torture at the hands of hostile spirits.

Another impressive feat of Ghost Game is how it capitalised on the reality TV craze of the early 2000s to generate more hype for the film. The characters in the film are none other than the cast of the first season of the singing contest Academy Fantasia.

After losing both her parents in a horrific tragedy, a young girl is left in the care of her aunt, a printing house owner and a part-time spiritual medium.

In House of Ghosts, (aka Khon Phee Pisaj) the author takes you on a compelling psychological and philosophical journey to understand the mental anguish each main character is going through. You will be pulled into a world of claustrophobia and chaos and compelled to find out what is real and what is not.

House of Ghosts may not have been a commercial success when it was released, but it has since earned a cult following. Fans always bring up the film in every discussion about good scary flicks.

A family on the verge of falling apart moves to a more affluent neighbourhood in Chiang Mai with the clear intention of improving their lives and reconnecting with one another. A horrifying murder case, however, ignites the fire and threatens their already fragile relationships.

Laddaland is, at its core, a drama film that explores the aftermath of the crippling economic crisis in Thailand during the 1990s, despite the onslaught of jolting terror scenes and haunting apparitions. Furthermore, it boldly confronts taboo issues about class, gender roles and immigrants, making it a film with a clear social message that uses ghosts as a mere entertainment tool.

Laddaland was a hit with both critics and the public. This film is an emotional rollercoaster ride, so make sure you have a box of tissues within reach. It's more than just jump scare tactics.

A distraught lady who runs a street noodle shop finally reaps success after succumbing to the voices in her head that tell her to use a special ingredient in her signature dish: human flesh.

It is rare to find a Thai horror film that is bold enough to confront the taboo of cannibalism. However, the 2009 film Meat Grinder defied this convention in a manner similar to the infamous thriller The Untold Story (1993).

Meat Grinder caused a stir when it was first released. Many noodle shop owners were not happy about how it portrayed the preparation of their Thai street food staple in a way that was open to question.

A documentary team heads to Loei in Isaan to record the life of a female shaman named Nim. But things take a sinister turn when Nim's niece Mink is mysteriously possessed by a malevolent spirit.

The Medium is the best of the recently released Thai horror films. Banjong 'Tong' Pisanthanakun, the jumpscare specialist, directs this critically acclaimed blockbuster. It plays off a slow-burn narrative that reveals the many superstitions of Thai Buddhist culture.

This is a must-see for horror fans as Tong has teamed up with respected Korean director Na Hong-jin, whose highly lauded The Wailing served as an inspiration for The Medium and how it touches on shamanism. The success of this terrifying mockumentary has prompted Hong-jin to create a sequel, provisionally titled Mink, and we are eagerly awaiting its release.

Veteran soldier Mak returns home from war to his wife Nak and newborn son. His neighbours immediately alert him to ominous developments under his roof.

The film is based on the local folk tale of Mae Nak Phra Khanong, set during the reign of King Rama V. It tells the story of a woman who died during childbirth while her lover was away at war. The legend of Nak has been adapted into films and TV shows on numerous occasions. Nang Nak is undoubtedly the best adaptation.

It expertly balances the couple's romantic yet tragic story with spine-chilling elements, all while showcasing exceptional set design and cinematography that bring the golden era of Siam to life.