Phi Pop

The Phi Pop (ghost that consumes entrails) is distinctive in Thai folklore because it possesses a living host rather than having an independent body. The host is typically a woman who is accused by her community of being a phi pop — she is said to go out at night, dig up fresh graves, and eat the entrails of the newly dead. She may have no knowledge of this during waking hours. The accusation of being a phi pop host has historically led to social exclusion, beatings, and exile.

Has no independent appearance — it inhabits a living human body. The possessed person appears normal except during the possessing episodes, when they may be found near graves at night or eating raw meat. The phi pop is sometimes described as a kind of glowing ball of light that moves from host to host.

Possessed its host to consume raw entrails. Could move from host to host. Could cause illness in people around the host. The possessing entity could sometimes speak through the host when confronted by a monk.