NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — A funeral in southern Thailand has gone viral after coyote dancers were hired to perform in front of a coffin during the final night of rites, drawing widespread discussion on social media.
The incident took place late on 20 April at a house in Ron Phibun district, where the funeral ceremony for a 59-year-old man was being held.
The event was livestreamed on Facebook by an account named “Ek Ron Phibun Brick Blocks Southern Thailand,” showing hundreds of attendees gathering at the final night of prayers.
After monks completed chanting funeral prayers and returned to the temple, the host family reportedly hired a sound truck and three coyote dancers to perform in front of the coffin.
The performance was broadcast live and attracted significant attention online, with viewers reacting through likes and shares.
According to the family, the deceased was known locally as a cheerful and sociable person. Relatives said he had expressed a wish during his lifetime not to have a sombre farewell, and instead requested that coyote dancers be part of his funeral.
The man died on 15 April, and his funeral rites were held at his home in Ron Phibun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The performance took place on the final night of the ceremony.
The event has sparked mixed reactions online. Some supported the family’s decision, saying it followed the deceased’s wishes and reflected a celebration of life.
Others criticised the performance as inappropriate for a funeral setting, arguing that it could influence children and young people who were present and watching the livestream, and may conflict with traditional Thai cultural values.
