Woman Revives Inside Coffin During Cremation Preparations in Thailand
BANGKOK – In a stunning turn of events,a Thai woman mistakenly declared dead awoke inside her coffin at a Buddhist temple on Monday,moments before her scheduled cremation. The incident occurred at Wat Rat Prakong Tham temple after the woman had been unresponsive for two days, according to her brother and temple officials.
The woman, who had been bedridden for over a year, was believed to have died and her brother transported her 500 kilometers to Bangkok with the intention of donating her organs to a hospital. However, the hospital required a death certificate, prompting the brother to seek assistance at the temple, which offers free cremation services but also requires the document.
While the temple administrator of finances and general affairs, Soodthoop, was explaining the death certificate process to the brother, sounds emerged from within the coffin. “I was surprised, and that’s why I asked them to open the coffin. We were all stunned,” Soodthoop told The Associated Press. “I saw the woman open her eyes a little and hit the side of the coffin. She must have been hitting for quite some time.”
The woman was subsequently taken to Bang Yai Wichaya Wechayansringsam Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was in a lethargic but conscious state. As of yesterday, her condition had improved, though she will remain hospitalized for approximately a week for observation. The temple has pledged to cover all of her medical expenses, according to a hospital statement.
The incident highlights the challenges of determining death, notably in cases of prolonged illness and limited medical resources. The woman’s brother now faces an undeniably awkward conversation with his sister.
