I’m in Dan Sai, a sleepy little town in northeastern Thailand. Within the large courtyard of a Buddhist temple, I’m surrounded by dancing townspeople wearing colorful costumes and massive, psychedelic ghost masks that look like an acid trip.
I dropped acid many times as a teenager, so I know what I’m talking about!
The ghosts are shaking, swaying, and ringing huge cowbells tied around their waists. Some of them are waving giant, wooden penises around.
Thai country music, or luk thung, is blasting through the temple speakers pumping out a hypnotic rhythm that is heightened with the ringing of the cowbells.