A 65-year-old Thai woman, mistakenly declared dead, was discovered alive in her coffin just before her scheduled cremation at a Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Bangkok after temple staff heard faint knocking from inside the casket. This startling incident prevented a potential tragedy and highlighted issues in death certification procedures.
The event occurred at Wat Rat Prakhong Tham temple in Nonthaburi province, where general manager Pairat Soodthoop was startled to hear a soft knocking sound coming from the coffin. He immediately requested that it be opened, revealing the woman slightly opening her eyes and tapping on the side of the container. Soodthoop remarked that she must have been knocking for some time before being noticed, underscoring the narrow escape from cremation. The temple staff, initially preparing for the ceremony, were left bewildered by the unexpected signs of life.
The woman’s brother had transported her nearly 500 kilometers from their home in Phitsanulok province, believing she had died after she appeared to stop breathing two days earlier. However, he lacked an official death certificate, which led to refusals from both a hospital for organ donation—a wish the woman had expressed—and the temple for cremation services. It was during the manager’s explanation of how to obtain the necessary documentation that the faint knocking was heard, prompting immediate action. The brother described his sister as bedridden for about two years with deteriorating health, which likely contributed to the mistaken assumption of her death.
Upon discovery, the woman was assessed and swiftly transferred to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed her with severe hypoglycemia, a condition involving critically low blood sugar levels. This diagnosis ruled out respiratory failure or cardiac arrest, clarifying that she had not experienced clinical death. The temple’s abbot ensured her medical expenses were covered, demonstrating community support in the emergency. Health officials emphasized that hypoglycemia can cause unresponsiveness mimicking death, particularly in individuals with chronic illnesses.
The case has sparked discussions about death certification and emergency response in Thailand, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare may be limited. Temple staff expressed relief that the cremation was halted in time, averting a devastating outcome. Local authorities are reviewing protocols to prevent similar incidents, focusing on improving verification processes for presumed deaths. The woman remains under medical care, with her condition monitored for recovery, while her family grapples with the emotional aftermath of the near-miss.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough medical assessments before declaring death, particularly in cases involving prolonged illness. It also highlights the role of religious institutions in providing social services and their quick response to unforeseen emergencies. As the woman receives treatment, the story has garnered international attention, prompting reflections on cultural practices and healthcare safeguards in similar contexts worldwide.
