Russians Join Thai Coffin Fortune Ritual

Russian tourists travelled to Wat Luang Phor Pak Daeng Temple in Nakhon Nayok province on 18 February 2026 to take part in a coffin-lying ritual believed to dispel bad luck and boost fortune. The ceremony drew both Russian visitors and Thai devotees after receiving coverage on television and online media.

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The event took place at the temple in Ban Yai subdistrict, Muang district, where five coffins were arranged for participants. Monks chanted funeral rites as individuals lay inside, in a ritual symbolising “practising death before real death” to remind participants of life’s impermanence.

During the ceremony, monks turned each participant’s body from west to east, recited prayers, gave blessings and sprinkled holy water to ward off misfortune. In addition to the coffin rite, attendees received sacred markings on the forehead and palms, along with yantra inscriptions on their wallets intended to bring prosperity.

The ceremony was presided over by Phra Ratchaphromkhun, the Nakhon Nayok provincial ecclesiastical chief and abbot of Wat Phra Mani, also known as Wat Luang Phor Pak Daeng. Temple officials said the ritual is designed not only to dispel bad luck but also to encourage mindfulness and reflection on the inevitability of death.

Interest in the ritual increased following media reports, prompting both foreign tourists and local worshippers to attend. The participation of Russian visitors highlights the continuing appeal of Thai spiritual practices among international tourists seeking cultural and religious experiences.

Temple representatives reiterated that the rite carries symbolic meaning rather than literal consequences. They emphasised its role in promoting contemplation about mortality and personal conduct, while maintaining its traditional purpose of seeking blessings and improved fortune.

Khaosod reported that as coverage continues, the temple may see further attendance from both overseas visitors and Thai devotees. No changes to the ritual format were announced, and the ceremony remains part of the temple’s established religious activities in Nakhon Nayok.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Key Takeaways

• Russian tourists joined Thai devotees in a coffin-lying ritual at Wat Luang Phor Pak Daeng Temple on 18 February 2026.

• The ceremony symbolises practising death to reflect on impermanence and to seek blessings against misfortune.

• Temple officials said the ritual promotes mindfulness as well as fortune and prosperity.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 19 Feb 2026