Thai funeral

Guests and dignitaries (left); the coffin, decorated with flowers and wreaths (centre); and Buddhist monks (right) at the funeral services for the mother of former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai

Thai funerals usually follow Buddhist funerary rites, with variations in practice depending on the culture of the region. People of certain religious and ethnic groups also have their own specific practices. Thai Buddhist funerals generally consist of a bathing ceremony shortly after death, daily chanting by Buddhist monks, and a cremation ceremony. Cremation is practised by most peoples throughout the country, with the major exceptions being ethnic Chinese, Muslims and Christians.