Lanna Mysticism: The Horse Rider

Just the title makes one pause and wonder — what is “The Horse Rider”? And how is it connected to Lanna? The documentary Lanna Mysticism: The Horse Rider takes us through a doorway into a profound, mysterious world of beliefs that spark questions, blending documentary storytelling with performance and imagery that is both gentle and powerful.

“The Spirit Religion” in Lanna — Deep-Rooted Beliefs

The spirit religion is not merely folklore but a structured belief system embedded in Lanna culture. From the Pi Pu Ya (ancestor spirits) that protect kinship lines, to the Pi Chao Nai (lord spirits) that govern right and wrong in the community — and most importantly, the Ma Khi (the Horse Rider), or spirit medium, who serves as a bridge to the spirit world. Not just anyone can take on this role, for it is reserved only for those whom the spirits themselves have chosen.

Faith or Delusion?

What the documentary does remarkably well is guiding us along the fine line between faith and delusion, through the stories of two main characters — Kaew and Pae. They come from different generations and perspectives, yet share a common experience of encountering the world of spirit mediums as members of the LGBTQ community. From being a complete skeptic, Pae begins to question and gradually understand faith in a way he had never seen before. This story makes us pause and reflect: perhaps someone’s belief carries reasons deeper than we think.

A Documentary Like No Other

With stunning visuals, compelling content, and seamless storytelling, Lanna Mysticism stands out as one of Thailand’s most distinctive and emotionally gripping documentaries. The use of Northern dialect adds a charm that feels authentic without exaggeration. For anyone who enjoys documentaries that are deep, profound, and refreshingly different — offering perspectives on belief never seen before — this is a must-watch. After seeing it, you may find your understanding of the word “belief” forever changed.

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About Author

Poramuth Weerasakthara

VIPA Crew: An aspiring reviewer who wants to share stories from the voice within.