Temple pledges full support for 65-year-old woman found alive in coffin before cremation

A 65-year-old woman believed to have died the previous night was found alive in her coffin just before her scheduled cremation at a temple in Bang Yai district on Sunday (23 Nov) – and the temple has now pledged to support her recovery.

The incident occurred at Wat Rat Prakongtham in Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district, where the temple later livestreamed the shocking discovery under its “Final Home” funeral support programme.

Relatives had brought the woman’s body in a coffin to Wat Rat Prakongtham for cremation after being informed by officials in Phitsanulok that she had died the night before. All the necessary documents had been issued, and the family believed they were proceeding with a routine funeral.

Before the cremation, temple staff opened the coffin for final preparations. During this process—broadcast via a livestream by the temple —viewers witnessed the startling moment the woman was seen moving.

It was then that staff realised she was still alive, prompting immediate medical intervention.

The woman’s younger brother told reporters that he had been caring for his sister for three years and that the family had travelled from Phitsanulok on being notified of her supposed death. He said officials told them she had passed away and, with all paperwork completed, the family placed her in a coffin and brought her to the temple.

Temple staff said they were startled to see signs of life when the coffin was opened. The abbot immediately ordered that she be rushed to hospital, assuring the family that the temple would cover all medical expenses arising from the incident.

Doctors later confirmed that the woman had not suffered cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Instead, she was found to be in a state of severe hypoglycaemia, or critically low blood sugar. She received urgent treatment and was placed under close medical supervision.

According to a statement from Wat Rat Prakongtham, at 11.30am on Monday the senior monk Phra Kittiwachirathada visited the woman in Bang Yai Hospital to check on her condition in person. He also provided initial financial assistance of 10,000 baht to her caregiver, who is her younger sister.

The temple added that Wat Rat Prakongtham and the “Final Home” programme will continue to take care of the woman to the fullest of their ability until her health improves and she is well enough to return safely to her hometown in Phitsanulok province.