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Postcard from Thailand
Classroom Worksheet · Key Stage 3
The Secret World of Thai Spirits
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Class:
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1 The ideas first
Recall · answer in full sentences
The film says many of these beliefs come back to one big idea from Thai Buddhism: karma. Explain what karma means, and give one example from the film of a belief connected to it.
At the Ghost Museum, visitors walk through different "realms" of the afterlife. What compassionate idea does the film say lies behind them — even the difficult ones?
2 Digging deeper
Analysis · a story with a purpose
The belief in Nang Mai leads people to ask a tree's permission before cutting it down. Explain how a supernatural story can end up protecting the real, natural world.
The film says the White Temple's bridge and reaching hands teach "the very same lesson as the ghost stories." What is that shared lesson, and why might a temple and a scary story teach it in such different ways?
3 Quick check
Circle the correct answer
1. In the film, the fierce temple guardians are best described as…
evil spirits to be feared
protectors that keep evil out
just decoration
2. What does the film suggest is the deeper reason these beliefs still matter today?
They prove that ghosts exist
They shape real decisions about nature, kindness and how to live
They are only for tourists
4 Story or lesson?
Match the belief to what it encourages
Each belief in the film quietly encourages a real-world behaviour. Draw a line linking each one to the lesson it teaches.
The belief
Nang Mai lives in old trees
Karma follows your actions
Guardian demons protect temples
Ancestors watch over the family
The real-world lesson
Treat people well — what you do matters
Respect and protect the natural world
Honour and remember your family
Not everything frightening is your enemy
5 The bigger question
Transfer · thinking beyond Thailand
Think like a global citizen
This film isn't only about Thailand. Cultures all over the world — including your own — tell stories about ghosts, spirits or the unexplained. These stories often carry a community's values, fears and hopes.
Apply it: Choose one and write a short response (3–5 sentences).
- Think of a ghost story, superstition or legend from your own country. What might it really be teaching, or what fear might it express?
- Why do you think almost every culture on Earth has stories about spirits or an afterlife?
6 Extended writing
Develop an argument
Your task. Write a paragraph (5–8 sentences) responding to this question:
“Even if we don't believe in spirits ourselves, can we still learn something valuable from these stories?”
Try to: give your opinion clearly · use a reason and an example from the film · consider what someone who disagrees might say · reach a thoughtful conclusion.