Ram Phi Than and Ram Phi Faa Tradition In the culture of the northeastern Thai people, belief in "spirits" has long been intertwined with daily life. It is believed that natural disasters or unusual occurrences happen due to the displeasure of spirits and deities. This belief has led to various rituals of worship and offerings, asking for forgiveness and blessings from sacred entities. Among these rituals, the Ram Phi Than (or Ram Phi Faa) is a significant one associated with healing and protection from harm.

 

Meaning and Importance of the Ram Phi Than Ritual The Ram Phi Than or Ram Phi Faa is a ritual inherited from the Tai-Lao ethnic groups in northeastern Thailand. Its primary purpose is to heal illness, with the belief that Phi Faa (Sky Spirits) or Phi Than (Heavenly Spirits) are powerful deities capable of influencing events. The ritual involves invoking these spirits to heal sickness and protect the community from harm.

 

Hierarchy of Phi Than The people of Esan believe that Phi Than has a hierarchical structure, with the "Than Luang" (Grand Spirit), often identified as Indra, considered the most powerful. If one wishes to request something from Than Luang, a sacred instrument called "Klong King" is used to send the request to the spirit. For example, drumming the Klong King before embarking on a journey is believed to ensure safety.

 

Key Elements of the Ram Phi Than Ritual The Ram Phi Than ritual consists of four essential components:

- Morlam or Kruba: The Morlâm serves as a medium or intermediary between the spirits and the sick person. This role is typically passed down from ancestors, and the position is often held by women.

 

- Mor Khan or Mor Ma: These are the individuals who play the "Khan" (a type of flute) to maintain the rhythm of the ritual. They must be skilled and patient, as the ceremony can be lengthy.

 

- The Sick Person: The individual seeking healing, believed to be ill due to wrongdoing against the spirits or ancestors.

 

Offerings: Such as "Khao Tom Klua" (steamed rice with banana), flower garlands, and various foods used for worship and inviting the Phi Than.

 

The Ram Phi Than ritual also reflects cultural diversity. For example, in Sisaket province, parts of the ceremony incorporate Khmer language, while other areas use Esan or central Thai language. This variation highlights the close cultural ties between local communities and neighboring cultures.

 

Despite differences in ritual details across regions, the core belief in reverence for spirits and the reflection of gratitude toward ancestors remains the same. The ritual holds significant value in preserving Thai cultural heritage and instilling pride in the community’s roots. The phrase "The living cannot see, but the spirits can" reflects the respect and connection that Esan people have with their ancient beliefs.