Thai funeral features instant noodles instead of flowers


When we attend a funeral, we usually see flower wreaths placed around the coffin as a way to create a beautiful send-off for the dearly departed.

However, some families have come up with meaningful ways to pay tribute, in the form of decorations that may come in useful, post-funeral too.

Closer to home, here’s the story of the Thai funeral which replaced wreaths of flowers with bouquets of instant noodles, to fulfill a family member’s last wishes.

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Funeral in Thailand decorated with instant noodles


A Thai funeral held at Wat Ban Pha temple in Phitsanulok province has created a stir on social media, after rather atypical decorative ornaments were spotted in the final send-off.

Bouquets of instant noodles, dried snacks and packets of Milo were used instead of flower wreaths to express condolences in a meaningful way.

funeral decorated with instant noodles
Image credit: Naewna

As seen in the picture, more than 500 packets of instant noodles, 400 cups of instant noodles, 20 cartons of milk bags, and other dried foods were neatly arranged like bouquets of flowers around the coffin.

funeral decorated with instant noodles
Image credit: Naewna

According to Neawna, Prabhali Konghoon, who passed away at the age of 68, had reportedly expressed his wish for his funeral to involve decorations with packets of instant noodles and dried foods in place of flowers.

funeral decorated with instant noodles
Image credit: Naewna

To fulfill Prabhali’s wish, Jakkree Muangma, his relative, then decided to organise the funeral that included bouquets of those requested items.

funeral decorated with instant noodles
Image credit: Naewna

Following the ceremony, the family shared that these instant noodles and snacks will be distributed to orphanages and nursing homes, as a final way to pay tribute to Prabhali.


More than one meaningful way to send a loved one off


We hope that this funeral’s atypical send-off will inspire others not to shy away from breaking stereotypes when they envision their final send-offs.

In many ways, we just want to be remembered in ways that are meaningful to us and our loved ones. So it’s particularly nice to see that these decorations will be put to good use with charities, rather than discarded after the ceremony.


Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): Naewna

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