Extraordinary known as the ‘100-corpse intersection’ in Thailand‘s northern Phayao province has locals on edge, with frequent accidents and fatalities inflicting ongoing worry. Residents in the Wat Pa Lan Kam group have sought the assistance of monks to perform an exorcism ceremony in an attempt to beat back evil spirits associated with the so-called ‘spirit of the deceased.’
The ceremony, which includes the chanting of mantras by monks, aims to harness a constructive power to combat and expel the spirits of the deceased. According to conventional beliefs in the area, following the ceremony, these spirits will be reborn and will not haunt the world. Such rituals are strictly performed at night time, believed to be the time when spirits are most active. Participation from local residents is high, with offerings, amulets, and other objects used in the course of the ritual.
The objective of the ceremony is to offer a sense of safety and luck to the Wat Pa Lan Kam community members. They have taken extra measures to discourage spirits, such as scattering rice and sand at points believed to be inhabited by spirits and around their properties. Observations made at the intersection reveal that it is a common spot for accidents to happen during each daytime and nighttime.
The residents have dubbed this notorious intersection the ‘100-corpse’ or ‘death’ intersection due to the excessive variety of fatalities, in addition to the presence of numerous spirits believed to be lingering in the area. The purple banners on bamboo poles scattered alongside the roadside, symbolising the demise attributable to unnatural occasions corresponding to accidents, are a stark reminder of the intersection’s dark status..