Temple employees in Nonthaburi province were left stunned after discovering that a 65-year-old woman, believed to be dead, was actually alive inside her coffin moments before a cremation ceremony was set to begin.
The incident took place at Wat Rat Prakhong Tham, a Buddhist temple located just outside Bangkok, where staff were preparing for what they thought was a routine charitable cremation service.
According to temple general and financial affairs manager Pairat Soodthoop, the woman had been brought to the temple by her brother, who had travelled approximately 500 kilometres from Phitsanulok province. He told staff that his sister had been bedridden for two years and had recently fallen unconscious.
Believing she had died after showing no signs of breathing for two days, he attempted to arrange her cremation. Because he did not possess an official death certificate, the hospital he approached refused to issue one.
Seeking assistance, he then turned to the temple, which provides free cremation services for those in need, but was again informed that the proper documentation would be required before any ceremony could take place.
As staff were explaining the necessary steps for obtaining the certificate, they were startled by faint knocking sounds coming from the coffin. The small movements grew more noticeable, prompting employees to open the lid immediately.
To their shock, the woman inside was opening her eyes and moving her arms, clearly showing signs of life despite having been presumed dead for days.
Temple workers acted quickly, checking her condition and contacting emergency services. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.
The unusual case has drawn widespread attention, raising questions about the circumstances leading to her mistaken death and highlighting the importance of official medical verification before funeral rites are carried out.
