Thai Temple Halts Cremation After Coffin Knock Reveals Woman Alive; Hypoglycemia Diagnosed

Introduction

In the outskirts of Bangkok, a cremation ceremony was stopped after temple staff heard a faint tapping from inside the coffin believed to hold a deceased 65-year-old woman. The family had traveled from Phitsanulok province to honor the ceremony at Wat Rat Prakhong Tham.

What happened at the temple

Wat Rat Prakhong Tham’s general manager, Pairat Soodthoop, said a subtle knock from within the coffin prompted him to open it. He described seeing the woman slightly move her eyes and continue knocking on the coffin’s side, suggesting she had been alive for some time.

The woman’s brother, who had accompanied her for the cremation, said local officials had informed him of his sister’s death. The temple manager noted that the brother did not possess a death certificate, complicating documentation for the rite.

Medical explanation

After the coffin was opened, staff arranged for the woman to be taken to a hospital. A physician later diagnosed severe hypoglycemia as the likely cause of the apparent death. Doctors ruled out respiratory failure or cardiac arrest as the cause of the episode.

Family travel and next steps

The family had journeyed roughly 500 kilometers (about 311 miles) from Phitsanulok for the cremation. With the person found alive, temple authorities halted the ceremony and prioritized medical assessment to determine the appropriate care.

Key takeaways

• Medical conditions such as severe hypoglycemia can mimic death, underscoring the need for careful medical verification before end-of-life rites.
• Proper death documentation is crucial to avoid administrative and ceremonial complications.
• Prompt medical evaluation can prevent tragic mistakes when a person is suspected to be deceased.

Expert comment

Expert opinion: Medical professionals note that severe low blood sugar can cause collapse and unresponsiveness that may resemble death. In such cases, rapid medical assessment is essential before proceeding with funerary rituals.

Summary

The incident at Wat Rat Prakhong Tham shows how a misperception of death can occur, even during traditional ceremonies. A diagnosed hypoglycemic event, not a heart or lung failure, saved a life that day. The episode highlights the importance of medical checks and documentation in funeral arrangements, especially when families travel long distances for rites.

Key insight: Medical verification is essential before cremations or similar rites, as conditions like hypoglycemia can mimic death and lead to dangerous outcomes. BBC News