BANGKOK: A funeral in southern Thailand has attracted attention after a family fulfilled the deceased’s unusual final wish by arranging a performance by coyote dancers.
The ceremony was held for Winich, 59, who reportedly died of a chronic illness. His funeral rites began on April 15 in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
Coyote dancers, commonly seen in Thai nightlife entertainment and often performing in revealing outfits, were brought in as part of the arrangements after monks completed their rites for the day.
A Facebook Live video posted on April 20 showed three dancers performing in front of the funeral setup, with the deceased’s photograph placed nearby and music played through a sound system.
Winich was described as cheerful and well-liked, and had reportedly instructed his family not to mourn his passing but instead to include the performance as a final celebration of his life.
The funeral was set to conclude with cremation on April 21 at Wat Thepphanom Chueat.
Online reactions were divided, with some respecting the deceased’s wishes while others questioned the appropriateness of the performance, especially around children.
