Death in Thailand

Funeral ceremonies can be from 3 days to a year long.

Death in Thailand is a unique experience for not only the person in the box I would imagine but for those left in the audience.  Here are a few things that happened this week that I find fascinating and troubling all at the same time.

Religion in many ways is better than people.  You look at some of the turmoil and strifes affecting countries and regions around the world and many times it is in the name of religion.  In general, the purpose of religion is to do good for people and give them hope or something to look forward too, be it in life or death.  People on the other hand are the cause of why religion turns evil.  The teachings say one thing and the people do another.  Take the catholic church for instance.  The bible teaches good while the priests embezzle and become pedophiles.  In the Buddhist religion, the monks live a life of simplicity but the people cheat and steal from one another to better themselves and gain control and power over each other.  In both examples, not a very good way of living if you want to get to a better place after the box.

As you can see, wreaths with the sender's name or company are placed in the temple to show the family that they care.  But what does it show to the family when a limo company who manages and owns a large fleet of Mercedes, hires a motorbike taxi to deliver the wreath?  Not only that, but then the motorbike driver pulls out additional flowers and garnish to finish the wreath while the service is taking place.  It seems everyone does a little bit of everything in Thailand.

Funerals in Thailand are no different from everyday life.  There are those with money and considered higher class and there are those that do not have the means and considered lower class.  So in a funeral temple, there has to be the VIP section for the Hi-So mourners.  This is an obvious section designated by more comfortable chairs and coffee and tea service.  So respected is this VIP section that no one can leave the temple once the service is over until the VIPs have left the room first.  All must remain seated or at least in your seating area.

Sometimes the deceased is of such great stature or perhaps the family is of that level that the temple must set up Mezzanine seating.  This is generally outdoors and across the walkway.  I didn't see any VIPs sitting in that section for sure.

The final interesting note is that in all walks of Thai life there is food; funeral services are no different.   When the monks take a break, out comes the snack boxes, usually sponsored by a company or family other than that of the deceased.  Everyone breaks them open like a picnic lunch and enjoys a little nibble while the dead just hang out up front.

Yes, in Thailand, there are many unique experiences and this week was one I will not forget.