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The
Wat Bangna Nai temple in the Thai capital draws more than 100
people a day who choose to perform the ceremony in the hope it
can improve their fortunes or give them a fresh start.
And for some at least, the pressures of life during the pandemic
have made the ritual take on more importance.
"I have to admit that I'm stressed these days because I am
earning less income because of the pandemic and I'm sure
everyone here is feeling the same," said Nutsarang Sihard, a
52-year-old food stall owner, who took part in the ceremony.
Participants pay 100 baht ($3.30) for the flowers, candles, and
clothing that are part of the ceremony.
They follow the instructions of the monks, by at first lying in
a coffin with their heads facing to the west, the direction
bodies may be buried, before switching sides to symbolise
rebirth.
"I felt like I was reborn, came back to life again and became a
new person," said Nutsarang.
Another participant at the ceremony, Chonlathit Nimimenwai, 23,
said she attended because a fortune teller told her that her
life was in danger.
"It made me feel stressed. That's why I'm here today because I
want to feel better."
Many temples in Thailand hold similar ceremonies and Prakru
Prapath Waranukij, a monk who performed this ceremony, said that
while the ritual had received some criticism online he felt it
was important to ponder death.
"It reminds people that one day we will die, so we must be
careful about the way we live our lives," said Prakru.
(Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Giles Elgood)
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