The term “Saming tiger” refers to a unique type of ghost that distinguishes itself from traditional ghosts by being part human and part ghost. What sets this supernatural entity apart is its ability to assume various human forms, using this power to deceive and entice unsuspecting individuals, ultimately consuming them as food.
According to local folklore in Thailand, Saming tigers are divided into two distinct categories. The first type is believed to originate from tigers that have hunted and devoured numerous humans. As these tigers consume more human lives, the souls of their victims are said to merge with the tiger’s essence. Consequently, the tiger gains the ability to transform into a human form, assuming the appearance of any desired individual in order to lure unsuspecting humans into its grasp.
In addition to the first type, there exists another variant of the Saming tiger known as the “spirit-summoning” Saming tiger. This type emerges when an individual delves into the realm of black magic, invoking the spirit of a tiger to inhabit their own body. By doing so, this person gains tremendous power akin to that of a real tiger, possessing razor-sharp fangs and agile, awe-inspiring claws that surpass the capabilities of ordinary humans. However, those who delve into this forbidden art of tiger spirit black magic must adhere to a set of strict rules and prohibitions.
Finally, those individuals who dare to acquire the knowledge of summoning the tiger spirit through black magic may face a grim fate. Due to their inability to uphold the stringent rules associated with this dark art, they undergo a transformation, becoming an actual tiger. Condemned to a life secluded within the depths of the forest, they assume various human forms with the intent to deceive unsuspecting travelers who venture into their domain.
By assuming the guise of a human during the day, the Saming tiger cunningly lures its prey into a false sense of security. However, when night descends, it possesses the ability to shape-shift into any animal of its choosing, further augmenting its sinister capabilities. As a result, unsuspecting individuals who encounter the Saming tiger become ensnared in its trap, ultimately falling prey to its insidious nature. The Legend of the Saming Tiger is a revered folk tale that has transcended generations in various Southeast Asian countries. Firmly entrenched in the beliefs and traditions of the region, it continues to captivate the imagination of the people, persisting as a story that is perceived as truth, passed down from antiquity to the present day.