Monk Paints Temple Crematorium In Bright Colours To Make It Look Less Scary And Sad For Funeral Attendees

Colourful crematorium in Kamphaeng Phet


Images adapted from: Amarintv

Funerals, as we all know, are a solemn event filled with sadness and discretion, but this monk in a Kamphaeng Phet temple wanted to change that perception.

Phra Athikarnwinai, the abbot at Khao Keaw Sawan Temple, revealed that it was his decision to paint the temple’s crematorium in bright colours like yellow, blue, red, and green, which heavily contrast traditional Thai crematoriums that are in white or plain shades.  

Image credit: Amarintv


Wanted to shift away from sadness


In doing so, he aims to take away the sad and scary connotation from the crematorium. This way, funeral attendees would feel less gloomy while here, and passersby would feel less scared, especially at night – or so he hopes.  

Image credit: Amarintv

Even the toilet is painted hot pink
Image credit: Amarintv

Although the colours were not at all traditional, many netizens agreed with Phra Athikarnwinai’s plan and even thought it was quite creative.

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Translation: Great idea! I hope this helps people feel less sad since a funeral is already sad enough.

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Translation: Very creative and cool.

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Translation: I agree with the abbot. I reckon the dead don’t really want anyone to be too sorrowful at their funeral. This crematorium is like a final beautiful and colourful “house” for those who have died and it shouldn’t have a scary element to it. 


Crematorium was built with donated money


Furthermore, Phra Athikarnwinai told Amarin TV that this crematorium has been funded by the people’s donation over the years to replace the old and run-down one in the temple.

We really admire Phra Athikarnwinai for working on his part to help people being less sorrow in sombre occasions like a funeral. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!


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Eddie Jirayu: