Not around my wife family.Cannot speak for others, but in the UK most who attend funerals were friends or work colleagues of the deceased
Here in Thailand, funerals, especially in the villages, are a social event. Everyone attends with most only having a limited relationship either with the deceased or a family member. It seems to be a case of "being seen", rather than anything else. Of course there is also the free food and sometimes alcohol! Plus more often than not card games in the evening after the monks have completed their evening chant!
Same in the small village we reside in, three villagers have an insurance agreement arranged, 200 baht for each House number, contributed to the Insurance Pool kept in a Bank, 60,000 baht pay out for funeral expenses. That's whether the paying House # attend the funeral or not.Cannot speak for others, but in the UK most who attend funerals were friends or work colleagues of the deceased
Here in Thailand, funerals, especially in the villages, are a social event. Everyone attends with most only having a limited relationship either with the deceased or a family member. It seems to be a case of "being seen", rather than anything else. Of course there is also the free food and sometimes alcohol! Plus more often than not card games in the evening after the monks have completed their evening chant!
Same for the wife family but no alcohol or gambling.Same in the small village we reside in, three villagers have an insurance agreement arranged, 200 baht for each House number, contributed to the Insurance Pool kept in a Bank, 60,000 baht pay out for funeral expenses. That's whether the paying House # attend the funeral or not.
The contribution towards the cost, whether it be a funeral, wedding, lucky home party, becoming a monk for a week ete etc is as you say recorded in a book.and when the tables are turned, the book comes out to see how much a certain family donated, so that a similar amount can be paid.Same in the small village we reside in, three villagers have an insurance agreement arranged, 200 baht for each House number, contributed to the Insurance Pool kept in a Bank, 60,000 baht pay out for funeral expenses. That's whether the paying House # attend the funeral or not.
Additionally when families join funeral festivities they usually make a contribution in their name to help with the expense. This is recorded by somebody recording names in a book for the deceased family, usually a Village representative.
The longer the deceased is honored ( lavish, cost, etc.) before they go up in smoke give them a better place in the here after ????
The procession for my wife aunt mother is scheduled for 9 am. The wife has driving our truck to the departure about 150 feet from our home. Her dad and mom will be in attendance. My wife will drive those that cannot walk. It's about 1.5 km to the temple. The procession will do this the traditional way a cart with the casket and iron buffalo pull it..BUT there will twine attached to the casket and cart then place in front so everyone can hold it as if they are taking the casket to the temple.
Yup, same sort of deal in my wife's village. Plus many have some Thai life insurance, which many other family members kick in on paying each year for the elders in the family.Same in the small village we reside in, three villagers have an insurance agreement arranged, 200 baht for each House number, contributed to the Insurance Pool kept in a Bank, 60,000 baht pay out for funeral expenses. That's whether the paying House # attend the funeral or not.
Additionally when families join funeral festivities they usually make a contribution in their name to help with the expense. This is recorded by somebody recording names in a book for the deceased family, usually a Village representative.
The longer the deceased is honored ( lavish, cost, etc.) before they go up in smoke give them a better place in the here after ????
Sure it is not the Thai 'funeral' music, which is pretty disco-ish in a Thai way. Usually played at massive decibels for three days.Staying on the topic of funerals, the Thai man who ran the successful builders merchants shop at the top of my soi was found dead last week in his bed. Allegedly been dead 2 days. He was estranged from his wife, - a relative of my wife who had formed an association with an employee some 3 years ago.
Cause of death not mentioned by anyone.He was only 53.
Funeral and cremation yesterday, with today the traditional day for taking bones/ashes to the Temple. Not sure if that happened or not, but all day there has been disco music playing..more suited to a wedding of other social event than a funeral. I doubt that is normal custom...my wife and other family members are less than amused!
Send me a copy.I have that cd around somewhere. LOL