Fake funerals in Thailand to attract good luck

Unusual: In a temple in Thailand, participants lie in a coffin with a sheet pulled over them while monks chant prayers.

Wat Bangna Nai, a temple in the suburbs of Bangkok, attracts more than 100 people every day who choose to perform a self-funeral ceremony in the hope that it will improve their fortunes or give them a new beginning.

Finding luck despite the pandemic

Worshippers believe the ceremony symbolizes death and rebirth, helping them get rid of bad luck and be reborn for a fresh start.

And for some at least, the pressures of life during the pandemic have made ritual take on more importance.

“I have to admit that I am stressed these days because I am earning less income due to the pandemic and I am sure everyone here feels the same,” said Nutsarang Sihard, a 52-year-old food stall owner who took part in the ceremony.

Participants pay 100 baht (about 2.70 euros) for the flowers, candles and clothing that are part of the ceremony.

They follow the monks' instructions, first lying in a coffin with their heads facing west, before switching sides to symbolize rebirth.

“I felt like I was reborn, coming back to life and becoming a new person,” Nutsarang said.

Another participant in the ceremony, Chonlathit Nimimenwai, 23, said she attended because a fortune teller told her her life was in danger.

"It made me feel stressed. That's why I'm here today, because I want to feel better."

Many temples in Thailand hold similar ceremonies, and Prakru Prapath Waranukij, a monk who performed the ceremony, said that while the ritual has received some criticism online, he believes it is important to reflect on death.

“It reminds people that one day we are going to die, so we have to be careful how we live our lives,” Prakru said.

See also:

Unusual: Thai people celebrated the New Year in a coffin

Unusual: Man attends his own funeral, family in shock

Source: chiangraitimes.com