Bangkok Halloween revelers embrace spooky and playful costumes

Blood-soaked ghouls, spirits with bulging eyes and ghosts from Thai folk tales haunted Bangkok's ChangChui Creative Park on Saturday (October 24), parading next to horror-film clowns and zombies ahead of Halloween.

Contestants of all ages struck poses and performed on stage, while the audience voted by handing them incense sticks instead of scores.

Halloween is not a traditional Thai holiday, but participants said the event was as much about togetherness as scares. Some said ghosts don't have to be scary and used the night to spread smiles, while parents and children made costumes together, a family activity away from their phones.

The contest held on Saturday is due to be held again on October 31, and offers more than a total of 30,000 Thai baht ($888) in prizes.

Camera, Editing, Production, Writing: Napat Wesshasartar/Reuters