Movies Screened for the Dead in Thailand Cemetery

A cemetery in Thailand organized screenings of movies for the dead. This special movie show for the dead was held at a cemetery in the Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeastern Thailand in June. The film screenings took place from June 2 to June 6.

As part of these special movie shows, the cemetery authorities set out rows of empty chairs and screened a film for the dead. During the open-air show, only four staff members were present, and films were shown from 7 pm until midnight each day. A feast for the dead was also held, burning paper offerings such as food, model houses, vehicles, clothing and daily necessities.

It was believed to be an effort to pacify the spirits of the dead men and women by providing them modern form of entertainment.

Screening movies for the dead after the Ching Ming Festival or before the Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional custom in many Chinese communities in Thailand.

In 2023, a Thai man held a ghost marriage with his girlfriend who had died of leukaemia.