A funeral in Thailand has gone viral after a family hired dancers to perform during the wake of a 59-year-old man, reportedly to fulfil his final wish before his death.
The unusual scene took place in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province on 20 April, where three female dancers, dressed in revealing outfits, performed in front of the coffin during the funeral rites. The performance was later shared on social media, drawing widespread attention and debate.
According to local reports, the deceased, identified as Mr Winich, passed away due to a long-term illness. His family said the dance performance was arranged in accordance with his expressed final wish, which they felt obligated to honour during the last night of the wake.
Videos circulating online showed the dancers initially performing facing the coffin before later turning to entertain mourners present at the ceremony. The act formed part of the final night of funeral rituals prior to cremation at a local temple.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms, with some users defending the family’s decision as a respectful fulfilment of the deceased’s wishes, while others criticised the performance as inappropriate for a funeral setting.
Despite the controversy, the event has drawn significant public attention, highlighting how modern expressions of farewell rituals can sometimes challenge traditional cultural expectations.
