In an incident that left temple staff in utter disbelief, a 65-year-old Thai woman, who was believed to have been dead for two days, began moving inside her coffin just moments before her scheduled cremation. The extraordinary event unfolded at the Wat Rat Prakhong Tham temple in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok.
The Shocking Discovery at the Temple
The woman's family had transported her body all the way from Phitsanulok province, a journey of approximately 500 kilometres, believing she had passed away. According to Pairat Soodthoop, the official overseeing general and financial affairs at the temple, the woman had been bedridden for nearly two years. Her family stated that she had stopped breathing earlier in the week, and with no visible signs of life, they assumed she had died.
The temple later posted a video on its Facebook page that captured the surreal moment. The footage shows the woman lying in a white coffin placed in the back of a pick-up truck. To the shock of everyone present, her arms and head can be seen shifting slightly, a clear sign of life.
A Journey for Organ Donation Turns Miraculous
The woman's brother had first driven her to a hospital in Bangkok. His intention was to honour his sister's wish to donate her organs. However, the hospital authorities declined the request because the family did not possess an official death certificate.
Following the hospital's refusal, the brother approached the Wat Rat Prakhong Tham temple, seeking a free cremation service. Once again, he was informed that the necessary paperwork was required to proceed. It was while Pairat was explaining this procedure that the miracle occurred.
"When we heard a noise from inside the coffin, we immediately opened the lid," Pairat told the AP news agency. "She slowly opened her eyes and kept tapping the side of the coffin."
Immediate Response and a Compassionate Gesture
Reacting swiftly to the incredible turn of events, the temple staff called for emergency medical help. The woman was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for proper medical attention and evaluation.
In a remarkable show of compassion, the temple's abbot has declared that Wat Rat Prakhong Tham will cover all of her medical expenses. This incident has not only shocked the local community but also raised profound questions about the protocols for determining death, especially for individuals with long-term, debilitating illnesses.
