Temples Refuse To Host Funeral For Thai COVID-19 Victim

No temples for funerals in Bangkok

Temples Refuse To Host Funeral For Thai COVID-19 Victim, Public Health Confirms Corpses Can’t Spread Virus

Image adapted from: Thairath

As of today, Thailand has a total number of 934 COVID-19 infections with 4 reported deaths since the outbreak started in the country in January.

Earlier this week, a family of a 70-year-old man, one of the 3 new deaths, told the media that they’ve been struggling to find a venue in Bangkok for a funeral because all temples have refused to take in the body as they all fear risks of catching the virus.

Temples Refuse To Host Funeral For Thai COVID-19 Victim, Public Health Confirms Corpses Can’t Spread Virus

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Frustrated, the deceased’s son Mr. Kumphol Tundang posted his dad’s death certificate and explained on Facebook that although his father tested negative before passing, no temples would let them in.

In another status, he said his dad has been fighting with the virus for over 2 months and was left with damaged lungs. And though the virus was gone from his system, his dad was too weak to recover as he had a history of tuberculosis.

On 24th March 2020, Mr. Tundang announced that his family found the temple that agreed to hold a funeral for his deceased father. Moreover, everyone in the family was tested negative for the virus.

Bamrasnaradura institution guarantees zero risk

Temples Refuse To Host Funeral For Thai COVID-19 Victim, Public Health Confirms Corpses Can’t Spread Virus

Image credit: Thaipbs

Apichart Vachiraphan, M.D., director of Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institution hosted a press conference in response to the fear regarding the corpses of those who died from COVID-19.

He guaranteed that the institution is dealing with the bodies of the victims by following the standard procedures to eliminate all the risks of further infection.

This includes disinfecting the body with an alcohol-based solution, exposing the body to more than 60 degrees celcius to kill the virus, and lastly, packing the body in a triple-sealed plastic bag.

Mr. Vachiraphan ensured that the body should be handled according to one’s religion and that others don’t have to worry about getting the virus from the deceased.

Our hearts are with the family of the deceased and we hope that they can proceed with the necessary funeral arrangements soon.

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