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much better authenticated. The writer must be taken as giving but a brief account of certain matters about which he thinks he has ascertained the beliefs that generally obtain, in order that, by attracting discussion, corrections, or further contributions, a more precise and extended knowledge of the subject may be gained.
Whether the existing Siamese literature on the subject is of wide extent or not is unknown to the writer. He has been able to find only one printed work which deals with it, namely, a pamphlet called "Concerning the power of ghosts" (ว่าด้วยอำนาจผี) written by H.R.H. the late Prince Sri Sao-wa-pang, mainly, it seems, for the purpose of explaining how the appearance and effects attributed by the ignorant to certain "pi " can be shown to arise from purely natural causes. The writer has found this pamphlet useful inasmuch as it sets forth the appearance and attributes of some of the "pi " hereafter referred to. He presumes that on these points H.R.H. would be likely to possess most accurate information, and when in doubt has either accepted, or stated, the Prince's description.
Spirits, ghosts, fairies, demons, or speaking collectively, "pi" may be divided into three classes: "Pi " which are the ghosts of the dead, or "astral bodies" of the living; "pi" which exist on their own account, and do not originate from human beings, though in some cases they may be under the control of a human being; and thirdly "pi " belonging to other worlds, who are never seen or heard on earth, but whose existence is to some extent believed in.
The following are some of the "pi " included in the first class. Under the general term "pi lawk" (ผีหลอก) seems to be included what are usually meant by the word 'ghosts' in English. They are spirits of dead persons who haunt a locality, or inhabit and appear in certain houses, chiefly old and abandoned ones, or in ancient ruins. "Pi lawk," however, always appear with the intention of misleading and frightening people, and seem to have the power of making their presence not only seen but felt. For instance a "pi lawk" might sit on the end of your bed; and
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