‘If I die, don’t be sad’: Thai dancer gets colourful funeral

CHAINAT — A 67-year-old former village dancer in Chainat province received a funeral filled with bright colours, traditional dancing and long-drum music, after asking her loved ones not to mourn her in black.

Chalom Jeanchan, a resident of Nang Lue subdistrict in Muang district, died of colon cancer. Her funeral was held at Wat Wang Khian on 22 October, with mourners wearing colourful clothes instead of the traditional black, in accordance with her final wishes.

Niphon Panyathon, a committee member of Wat Wang Khian, said he had been close to Chalom and regularly brought her supplies while she was undergoing treatment. As her condition worsened, she left instructions for her funeral, including how her money should be distributed after the ceremony.

Chalom also asked to be dressed in bright, colourful clothing, especially red, her favourite colour, with a large bow placed on her head.

Although she earned her living as a farmer, Chalom loved dancing and having fun. Whenever a wedding or ordination ceremony took place in the village, she would put on her own traditional dancer’s costume and join the celebrations.

She also requested that the funeral use a donated coffin and avoid fresh flowers, so that the money saved could be donated to Wat Wang Khian.

Niphon said he honoured all her wishes, including asking villagers to leave their black clothes at home. Instead, a long-drum band played traditional dance music at the funeral, creating a lively atmosphere as family, friends and neighbours gathered to bid Chalom farewell.

The celebration reflected the personality of a woman who had spent her life bringing colour and joy to village festivities, and who wanted her final journey to be just as cheerful.