Thailand cemetery organises movie screening for the dead

There's an undeniable charm to watching movies outdoors under the enchanting night sky—a blend of cinematic wonder and relaxed ambiance.

The fresh air, starry heavens, and twinkling lights create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere, making it a favored choice for romantic outings.

However, an open-air movie screening in Thailand has recently shocked the internet. Believe it or not, a cemetery in Thailand hosted film screenings for the deceased. According to a report from the South China Morning Post, the screenings took place at the graveyard from June 2 to June 6. The eerie event was organized by the Sawang Metta Thammasathan Foundation.

Located in northeastern Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province, the cemetery houses nearly 3,000 departed souls. In June, empty chairs were arranged by cemetery authorities, and movies were shown to the departed as a modern form of entertainment and a gesture to appease spirits.

The report further mentions that the spirits, believed to be descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled in Thailand and couldn't return to China, were said to attend the screenings. The outdoor shows ran from 7 PM to midnight each day. In addition to the unique movie screenings, organizers also laid out a feast for the deceased, featuring food, clothing, vehicles, model houses, and other daily necessities.

According to the South China Morning Post, such movie screenings for the deceased are a traditional custom among Thai-Chinese communities, typically held after the Ching Ming Festival or preceding the Dragon Boat Festival.

Initially apprehensive about the idea of screening movies in a cemetery, the event's organizer shared that over time, he found the experience to be unique and surprisingly positive.