Funerals of the Rich and Powerful in Thailand

MattOwensRees writer on Thai culture and lifestyle

Thai Funerals for the Rich

If you are rich and powerful, you get a big and impressive funeral.

A great fuss is made when a dignitary dies in Thailand. I heard today that a provincial judge died on Friday and there is to be a big turn out this afternoon at the City Hall in Chiangmai. The place will be packed with other judges, lawyers, and court officials. Representatives from big business, the local authority, the police, and the military will be there.

Paying respects to someone important in the Thai hierarchy

I see now why things don’t get done that quickly in this country. Functions like these take priority over daily routine. The great and the good will be attended by some of their staff. The higher the status of the official; the greater the number of their staff present. The normal white uniforms will not be worn at the actual funeral, but everyone will be in sober colours, black or grey with white shirts and blouses. It is by invitation only.

At the cremation service later in the week, roads will be blocked off and the police will be controlling traffic. The area around the crematorium will be at a standstill for one or two hours. The family will be outnumbered by friends, colleagues, officials, as well as members of the public who knew him.

Roads closed for the funeral procession.

Get an email whenever MattOwensRees publishes a Story on Medium.com

Medium’s big strength is that it allows ideas and information about cultural aspects of Thailand with NO censorship. What I post gets to everyone who wants to keep abreast of real Thai society. It’s a strong efficient platform which encourages readers to add to the discussion.