Ben Davies is a British photographer and writer based in Bangkok, who has contributed to many prestigious publications including Asia Money, National Geographic and Time - some of his winning words fortuitously penned during his recuperative stays at our rural Thai retreat with his family.

Having previously authored  the largely photographic books Isaan -  Forgotten Provinces of Thailand, and Laos, as well as a work on the illegal wildlife trade entitled Black Market, he has now published his latest work, five years in gestation: Living with Spirits.

Far from being a tome about alcoholism, Living with Spirits investigates the perceived presence and power of spirits and superstitions in Thailand. To open the cover of this photo journey, shot exclusively in black and white, is to open a creaking door to a shady, black magic realm where sacred tattoos are imbued with special forces, where animist rituals, palm readers, astrologers and shamans prevail. In a  world that admits no colour and seems itself to be a ghost from a monochrome past, curses and prayers needle both malevolent and munificent threads,  in the ethers and in the flesh.

Far from being an ecelectic charm of bumpkin villagers, superstitions and spiritual beliefs permeate all levels of Thai society.  A villager will seek the support of a spirit for a fulsome crop, a five star hotel owner wil plant a phallus forest, whilst,  as Ben says “Military coups start the exact second an astrologer says it’ll work best.”

Enraged spirits are an excellent neck around which to hang ones bones of contention. Notes Ben, "it seems to me that all these beliefs and superstitions have another far-reaching consequence. They allow politicians to ignore the plight of the vast rural population who barely live above subsistence level.   Who cares if there is a drought in the northeast...so long as locals blame the spirits."

Discover more on Ben's photos, books and biography here, or order your copy of Living With Spirirts here.