Thailand is still niche in the horror/thrillers cinema realm, but that doesn’t mean that their folk horror game isn’t strong. From Krasue (a demonic vampire woman who is a floating head with entrails) in films such as Inhuman Kiss to undead lovers in Pee Mak, Thailand has a strong game when it comes to the specific adaptation of their local folk horror. When it comes to sexuality, it is on a completely different point in the spectrum compared to more conservative countries such as South Korea and India, but that makes it even more interesting. Because with more freedom also comes a different lens on these topics.
Thailand’s erotic thrillers and horror are therefore less rooted in the suppression of sexuality and its ‘cautionary tales’, but a more natural occurrence as part of daily life. Where there are people, it is not uncommon to have those who are sexually active and have this as part of their romance/lifestyle. You also see more natural fluidity when it comes to both gender identity and sexual identity.
With that, I present to you a modest list of Thai erotic thrillers and horror:
Art of the Devil – movie saga
LOVE HIM. OWN HIM. KILL HIM. This is the logline of the Art of the Devil saga, where people in unhealthy relationships decide to break their cycle of abuse by turning to black magic for revenge. At the time of writing, I was able to find 4 Art of the Devil titles, each very explicit with erotic tones throughout.
Invisible Waves
Filmed in Thailand with a Thai director, Invisible Waves sports an impressive international cast, nonetheless with Japanese names such as Tadanobu Asano (ICHI the Killer), South Korean Kang Hye-Jung (Oldboy), and Hong Kong’s famous Eric Tsang Chi-Wai (Infernal Affairs). The story is about a man fleeing his ‘accidental’ crimes and hiding in Thailand, only to find out that his friends might as well be his enemies.
Motel Mist
From the writer of Invisible Waves, take a voyeuristic peek into the ‘dirty’ dealings happening at Motel Mistress. In this slow-burn sci-fi mystery erotica, we follow the events happening at a motel with peculiar guests. Each room has its own story and vices.
Thailand’s spicy genre films are still a niche for me, so this list will evolve over time. But for now, there is enough to fill a few weekends with steamy thrillers while enjoying a nice Thai tea or mango sticky rice. 😉
