Thailand: Tourists mistake a funeral meal for a restaurant

Foreign tourists mistook a funeral dinner for a restaurant, before being warmly invited to share the meal.

A heartwarming video highlighting the legendary generosity of Thais has gone viral on social media after foreign tourists accidentally stumbled into a funeral.

They thought it was a food court and were warmly welcomed by the grieving family as honored guests.

This story was widely shared online on January 31 after a Facebook user posted a video filmed during the funeral.

A misunderstanding arising from a misleading context

Seeing the round banquet tables laden with dishes, tourists assumed the place was a buffet restaurant or a local gastronomic event.

Upon realizing it was a funeral, the tourists were visibly shocked and immediately apologized, preparing to leave out of respect.

However, the hosts responded with smiles and kindness, insisting that the visitors remain seated and share a meal with them.

The family then served a full meal, refusing any form of payment.

Reports later revealed that a second group of foreign tourists had also made the same mistake and had been received with the same hospitality.

A hospitality praised by internet users

This incident has garnered much praise from internet users, many describing it as a true reflection of Thailand's charm.

Commentators noted that even while facing a personal loss, the family had chosen to share their kindness and compassion with strangers.

This gesture was seen not only as a meritorious act for the deceased, but also as a powerful image of Thai hospitality in the eyes of international visitors.

Testimony from one of the funeral attendees

On Tuesday, February 3, the owner of the video shared more details about the incident.

According to him, the first meeting took place in the evening, while guests were being welcomed at the funeral.

Two foreign tourists sat down at a table after mistaking the place for a food court, as it was located next to a night market and a cafe owned by the deceased's younger brother.

Once the misunderstanding was cleared up, the tourists seemed stunned, but politely asked if they could stay.

The guests gladly accepted, and the deceased's sister served them drinks such as Thai iced tea and Thai pink milk, as well as patongko (Thai-Chinese deep-fried dough balls).

A second incident occurred the following day, involving three Dutch brothers who approached the place asking for drinks and menus, again thinking it was a restaurant.

Despite the large crowd at the time of the funeral, the hosts ensured that the three brothers were served a full meal.

The visitors were reportedly deeply touched by the kindness shown by people they had never met.

The video's owner expressed gratitude for the public's reaction, stating that this story reflects the gentle and compassionate nature of the Thai people, a quality that remains deeply impressive and memorable for those who experience it.

See also:

Panic during funeral in Thailand: an elephant enters the temple

A woman comes back to life during her funeral in Thailand

Unusual: a man attends his own funeral, his family in shock

Buddhist monks fight during a funeral in Thailand

Source: Bangkok Post