Tourists Gatecrash Thai Funeral After Confusing It With A Restaurant: ‘They Apologised, Asked If They Could Stay’

A simple and unexpected moment took place after a group of foreign tourists made an honest mistake. The visitors walked into a funeral ceremony in Thailand, believing it was a restaurant, as they saw tables neatly set with food. This mix up did not happen once, but twice in the same week. Instead of reacting with anger or asking them to leave, the grieving family showed kindness by welcoming the tourists and offering them food and drinks.

A local man, Charantorn Chaloemkiad, was helping a friend manage guests when he noticed the confused visitors and recorded the moment. When he spoke to them, the tourists explained they had come from a nearby market and thought the place was an authentic local food spot. Once they understood it was a funeral,

they felt embarrassed and said sorry to the family. They asked if they could stay for a short time. The family agreed, served them iced drinks and snacks, and let them eat peacefully before they left.

Tourists Mistake Funeral For A Restaurant

Charantorn Chaloemkiad shared two videos on Facebook explaining how the tourists entered the funeral by mistake in Nakhon Si Thammarat, thinking it was an eatery. In the first video, two Western men are seen sitting at a table meant for funeral guests while a Thai woman brings them drinking water.

A similar mix up happened just the next day when three siblings from the Netherlands walked into the same place and tried to order drinks. When they were told it was a funeral, they looked surprised and were apologetic. Still, the hosts did not react badly, they welcomed the visitors and served them food without hesitation.

Tourists Apologise After Learning The Truth

Speaking with Thairath Online, Charantorn Chaloemkiad recalled, “It was evening and we were receiving guests. Then, two foreigners came in. I looked over and saw them. When they sat down, I asked if this was a food court. They said yes. They said they came from the market nearby, which is next to a cafe owned by the younger brother of the deceased. They thought it was the cafe. When we told them it wasn’t a restaurant or food court, they were shocked and stunned. They apologised and asked if they could stay. We said yes. Then the deceased’s sister brought them drinks like iced tea, iced milk and fried dough sticks. They ate for a while and then left.”

“Another day, three more brothers from the Netherlands came and sat down. They asked if this was a food court and if there were drinks or frozen cocktails. We explained that it was a funeral event. They were stunned. I didn’t question further because there were many guests at the time. The hosts had the server bring food to those tourists. They saw the video clip later and were very happy and impressed by the kindness of Thai people toward them,” Chaloemkiad added.

In Thailand, serving food and drinks at funerals is a common and old tradition. It is done as a way to thank people who come to pay their respects and support the family.