On 31/1, Charantorn Chareomkiad posted a video showing some foreign visitors entering his family's funeral in Khanom district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. They had mistaken the gathering for a restaurant. The funeral was held near a night market, and the family was preparing dinner for mourners, a local custom.

In the video, two western tourists sat at a table designated for guests, while a Thai woman served them water. Charantorn was heard playfully remarking, "Ask them if they think this is a buffet?", before laughing as family members continued to offer food. When informed it was not an eatery, the tourists expressed surprise, promptly apologized, and politely asked if they could stay. The grieving family agreed, serving traditional funeral fare such as Thai milk tea, pink milk, and pa thong ko (fried dough pastries).

Two foreign visitors mistook the funeral for a restaurant. *Photo: Charantorn Chareomkiad*.

According to Thai custom, families commonly prepare food and drinks for those attending a funeral. This gesture expresses gratitude and helps to gain merit for the deceased.

A similar situation occurred on 2/2, when three Dutch brothers entered the same funeral, again mistaking it for a food court and asking for drinks. They were astonished upon learning it was a funeral, but the family welcomed them warmly, serving five plates and bowls of food, including various curries.

Another group of tourists again mistook Charantorn's family funeral for a restaurant. *Photo: Charantorn Chaloemkiad*.

In a second video posted on Facebook, Charantorn wrote, "Foreigners came again, asking if it was an eatery? We invited them to eat anyway. They were surprised and happy"." The videos quickly went viral, drawing numerous comments praising Thai hospitality and community spirit. Some humorous remarks included, "If you dare to sit, we dare to invite" or "Did they provide a menu?". Others wondered if the tourists could handle the notoriously spicy southern Thai curry. Despite some varied opinions, many agreed that the family's actions reflected Thai cultural values, which prioritize compassion and generosity. The sentiment, "Thai people are so kind", was repeated numerous times in the comments.

By Tuan Anh (Source: *Bangkok Post*, *The Thaiger*)