A mortician in Chonburi caused shock at a petrol station after bringing a coffin containing a deceased person to prove he needed diesel for cremation. The incident occurred on 29 March 2026, when the cremation officer returned to the station after earlier being refused fuel in containers. Staff eventually agreed to fill the cans after verifying his claim. Get today's headlines by email The man, identified as Mr Preecha, 48, works as a cremation officer at a temple along Route 344 in Ban Bueng district. He had initially attempted to purchase diesel to fill containers for cremating a body but was refused by the station, which suspected fuel hoarding. Despite repeated requests, staff declined to sell him the fuel. In response, Mr Preecha transported the deceased from the hospital in a coffin to the station, along with three 18-litre fuel cans previously purchased there. During a live video, he opened the coffin to confirm the presence of a body, demonstrating that the fuel was required solely for cremation purposes. After a brief discussion between staff and the station manager, lasting around one to two minutes, the station agreed to supply the diesel. Mr Preecha explained that the deceased’s family had opted for cremation due to limited financial means, while the hospital required space for new arrivals. Burial was not feasible as local rescue units were in the process of clearing the cemetery, a task expected to take considerable time. A benefactor had provided funds for the fuel needed for the cremation. He added that he has worked as a mortician since 2005, initially using charcoal-fired cremation. Following an upgrade to a diesel-powered system, he has routinely purchased fuel in containers from the same station. However, recent shortages linked to ongoing war conditions have led to stricter controls and suspicion of hoarding. The case highlights the practical difficulties faced by cremation services during fuel shortages, particularly when standard procedures conflict with essential duties. It also reflects wider reports of vehicles and machinery being denied fuel under current restrictions. ThaiRath reported that uthorities have not announced any changes to fuel sales policies, but the incident may prompt further clarification on exemptions for essential services such as cremation. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN ThaiRath 30 Mar 2026
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