Thai woman’s marriage receipt has death certificate printed behind


Recycling has become a more prominent concept as people around the world work to ensure that the planet remains healthy for future generations. But things took a turn for the bizarre when one Thai woman went to register her marriage only to find that her marriage receipt had a death certificate printed on the back.

Here’s what happened as well as the official response from the authorities.

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A ghastly find on an otherwise happy day


Marriage is a happy, life changing occasion where two people come together. This is what one Thai woman felt when she went to the district office to get her marriage license. But after finalising her documents and paying the fees, the receipt she got bizarrely had a death certificate printed on the back. 

Image credit: MTlikesara

The woman, who is based in Phuket, shared the images to a local Facebook page where it went viral. 

Image credit: MTlikesara

In the post, she said that the hospital or any related offices should be a bit more cautious about reusing printed paper, due to the rising rates of the theft of personal information.  

As expected the post went viral with many netizens expressing concern and cracking jokes simultaneously.

Screenshot: MTlikesara

Translation: What luck you have. LOL

Screenshot: MTlikesara

Translation: That’s a 2-in-1. 

Many netizens were curious and their curiosity was sated when Phuket authorities came out to clarify.


Authorities respond to the situation


In response to netizens’ queries, Phuket district officials clarified their stance on the bizarre turn of events. They said that it is standard procedure to use recycled paper when producing receipts in their office. After internal investigations, they have found that officials were not aware of what documents were on the recycled paper they were using. 

The office apologised for the situation as well as to the citizens who use the district office’s services. 


We should recycle, but do so carefully


Despite its meteoric rise into mainstream consciousness, recycling is still quite young as a concept. This has led to many misconceptions and mistakes surrounding the practice. While this is an egregious example, it is far from the only one. 

So next time you’re about to reuse or throw something into the recycling bin, do so carefully to prevent any unexpected consequences.


Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): MTlikesara, Thairath

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