What is a Phi Ma Bong?

Background

A Phi Ma Bong is a spirit from northern Thailand that resembles a tikbalang, a kelpie or a centaur. This spirit is usually depicted as a ghost horse or as a demonic shapeshifter. Phi Ma Bong is often described as a giant black horse with red eyes who is said to have the ability to transform into a beautiful woman.

Supposedly, Phi Ma Bong haunts lonely roads and paths to lure careless travelers into the forest and kill them. In some stories, the Phi Ma Bong is said to be able to take the form of various animals.