The Community of Spirit Possession

Religious Practices of a Grouping of Spirit Mediums that Worships the Tutelary Spirit of City Pillar in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

Abstract

Since the end of twentieth century, the spirit mediumship in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand has become very popular among the local people in the midst of urbanization. For the part of the mediums, they gather together in their collective rituals throughout a year and create a community of spirit possession. This community aims at revitalizing and resurrecting the local society by their own religious practices.