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Tourists Mistake Thai Funeral for Restaurant
4 Feb
Summary
- Western backpackers gatecrashed a Thai funeral assuming it was a restaurant.
- Tourists followed cooking smells, expecting food courts and blended cocktails.
- Despite the blunder, hosts graciously offered food and drinks to the visitors.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern Thailand, a series of Western tourists mistakenly attended a traditional funeral, believing it to be a restaurant. On January 31, 2026, a pair of German backpackers, drawn by the aroma of cooking food from a nearby night market, entered the funeral garden expecting to dine. They sat at a table, awaiting a menu, unaware they were surrounded by mourners.
Upon realizing their mistake, the German tourists were mortified and apologetic. However, the funeral hosts graciously offered them iced milk and deep-fried dough sticks. Just two days later, a trio of Dutch travelers made a similar error, asking if the 'restaurant' served blended cocktails.
The family again invited the Dutch visitors to join them, offering food and drinks. The travelers expressed their amazement at the gesture, commenting on the kindness of Thai people. Funerals in Thailand can span several days, during which meals and snacks are customarily served to guests.
