S2 #66 / Mademoiselle Vendredi on Thai necromancy and Famous ghosts

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by professional occultist Mademoiselle Vendredi for a chat about her recent adventures in Thailand. We discuss Mademoiselle Vendredi’s encounters with local ghosts, spirits, and animist practices in Bangkok, where she was introduced to a world of supernatural entities, offerings, and hidden magical traditions. From her experiences with Thai Buddhist animism to the mysterious sounds of spectral visitors in her room, she shares firsthand accounts of a city teeming with unseen forces.

We also explore the unique duality of Thai spiritual life, where Buddhist shrines coexist with older spirit houses, and offerings of red Fanta serve to appease ghosts. Mademoiselle Vendredi recounts her time in Bangkok’s Portuguese quarter, where Catholic and Thai animist traditions merge, and describes her visit to the legendary Amulet Market.

A heads-up to listeners: The next section of our discussion touches on necromantic practices and esoteric rituals involving human remains, which some may find upsetting. This is an exploration of historical and cultural practices, not an endorsement or advocacy of them.

Our conversation turns to the darker side of Thai occultism, where necromantic practices involving effigies of the spirits of deceased infants, known as Kuman Thong. Mme Vendredi shares insights into these controversial practices, as well as other esoteric rituals involving oils and charms crafted from human remains.