Krasue, also spelled as "krathue," is a phantom ghost from Southeast Asian folklore. The word is pronounced /kra.suː/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable, "kra," is pronounced with a hard K sound and follows with an R sound. The second syllable, "su," is pronounced with a light S sound combined with a long U vowel sound. The final syllable, "e," is pronounced with a long E sound. The spelling of Krasue may vary depending on the language and region, but it consistently refers to the same mythical creature.
Krasue, also known as Kra-Su or Ahp, is a supernatural being or ghost of Southeast Asian folklore, particularly popular in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. It is believed to be an evil, female spirit, typically portrayed as a beautiful young woman from the waist up, with her internal organs and entrails hanging down below her head, floating in the air.
The legend of the krasue varies slightly across different cultures, but it is commonly depicted as a cursed woman who practices black magic or is subject to a supernatural affliction. Most often, the krasue is said to arise from a woman who has committed grave sins, occult rituals, or who has been cursed by a witch or black magic practitioner. At night, the krasue detaches her head, with only the internal organs and spine visible, to search for food, which usually consists of blood, flesh, or even newborn infants.
Folklore and superstitions associated with the krasue often focus on protective measures and rituals to ward off or appease this fearsome entity. These can include placing thorny plants or barbed wire around the house, as the krasue is said to fear getting entangled, or lighting incense and chanting prayers to deter her presence.
The krasue represents a cultural fascination with the supernatural and the fear of unknown forces. Though primarily a creature of myth and legend, the krasue exemplifies the human tendency to create imaginative explanations for phenomena that seem beyond the realm of understanding.
The word "krasue" originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Its etymology can be traced back to the Thai language. "Krasue" is derived from the Thai word "kra" meaning "to go" or "to move", and the word "sue" which translates to "beautiful". Thus, the combination refers to a beautiful being that roams or moves around. The term is used to describe a female spirit or ghost in Southeast Asian folklore who appears as a floating head with internal organs trailing below.