A funeral held in Nakhon Si Thammarat has drawn widespread attention after dancers were hired to perform in front of the coffin on the final night of mourning.
The unusual ceremony took place on Tuesday at Wat Thepphanom Chueat in Ron Phibun district, where the family arranged for coyote dancers to perform ahead of the cremation, as it was one of the last wishes of the deceased.
The event attracted large crowds of local residents, filling the temple grounds and generating a mixture of surprise, laughter and criticism among attendees.
Some elderly observers described the display as inappropriate for a funeral, while younger attendees viewed the performance as a colourful way to ease grief and celebrate the life of the deceased.
Relatives said the decision was made to honour the individual’s final request that the funeral should not be dominated by sadness, but instead create a lively atmosphere that would allow family and guests to smile and remember happier moments.
