In an unusual and intriguing initiative, a Chinese cemetery in Thailand arranged special film screenings for the deceased. Located in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the cemetery boasts 2,800 gravesites. During the event held from June 2 to June 6, rows of empty seats were carefully set up for the departed to enjoy the films in a unique manner.
The screenings aimed to honor the souls of Chinese immigrants who settled in Thailand, with many of their descendants buried at the site. Supervised by just four staff members, the outdoor screenings ran each evening from 7 pm to midnight, as reported by South China Morning Post.
Alongside the films, the staff organized a feast and burned paper offerings such as food, model houses, vehicles, clothing, and daily necessities to pay homage to the spirits. The event, orchestrated by the Sawang Metta Thammasathan Foundation, sought to provide entertainment for the departed and honor their memory.
According to event organizer Somchai, it is customary in various Chinese communities in Thailand to screen movies for the deceased, typically around festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival or Ching Ming Festival. Contractor Yanawut Chakrawattisawang initially had reservations about projecting movies in a cemetery but found the experience to be both unique and positive.
The ceremonies are believed to address unfulfilled desires of spirits, reducing their potential interference with the living by offering consolation and reverence.