PHAYAO — A group of villagers in Phayao has become a local sensation after holding daily aerobics sessions inside a cemetery, with participants saying they are not afraid of supernatural beliefs and immediately stop the activity whenever a funeral takes place.
Reporters visiting the Ban Mang cemetery found more than 20 villagers aged between 45 and 60 enthusiastically taking part in aerobics dance sessions accompanied by music, creating a scene far removed from the usual image associated with a graveyard. The unusual exercise venue has become a talking point in Chiang Kham district.
Apiradee Pansombat, president of the Jun Police Station Housewives Association and a Ban Mang resident, said many people often ask whether participants are frightened by exercising in a cemetery. She said members view the area as a public space that can be used to promote health, provided it is done with respect for the deceased.
The aerobics activity is part of a health promotion project supported by Chiang Kham Municipality. Participants receive health education, exercise guidance, and regular health monitoring, including blood pressure checks, weight measurements, and waist circumference assessments at the beginning of each month. The program is free of charge for all participants.
In addition to exercising, members help maintain and improve the cemetery grounds by planting trees and flowers, watering plants, sweeping leaves, and preparing the sound system before each session. Their efforts have made the area cleaner, greener, and more pleasant to use.
Apiradee said the group immediately suspends activities on any day when a cremation ceremony is held in order to show respect for the deceased. Before and after each exercise session, participants also pay respects and ask forgiveness from the spirits of the place according to local beliefs.
“Even though the crematorium is right behind us, we come here to take care of our health and to care for this place with respect,” she said. “When we behave properly and honor the place, there is nothing to be afraid of. Everyone is simply happy to exercise together.”