Friday, February 5, 2010

Wat Bangbua: A Sad Farewell 'Handled With Care'

Wat Bangbua: A Sad Farewell 'Handled With Care'
UPDATE : 18 January 2010


Youthapong Charoenpan

I recently attended a funeral at the temple of Wat Bangbua for Pepsi, my best friend’s pet poodle.

He loved Pepsi so dearly and treated him like a member of the family - almost like a child, in fact.

My friend had spent 15 years, almost half his life with Pepsi, so he was understandably devastated when his beloved pet recently passed away.

A bond for life
Anyone who owns a pet, but particularly dog owners, perceive a bond that could be described as a form of ‘unconditional love’. This explains why my friend has been suffering such a sense of grief since Pepsi’s sad demise, as the two had been close companions for so long.

A generous middle aged guy called ‘Joom’ (Thithinan Soongnuen), is director of pet funerals at the temple. Joom responded to my friend’s phone inquiry by offering advice regarding all the necessary arrangements in a very caring and sensitive way.

Joom was able to arrange everything, including items relating to the funeral’s ceremonial aspects, such as candles, incense, and even a small casket.


Two days after the funeral, a smooth and largely silent ceremony took place at the temple’s pet crematorium.

A young monk chanted a prayer for Pepsi, while the deceased was resting in peace in his casket, surrounded by fragrant flowers. I had never before experienced such a moving moment, as my friend said farewell to his beloved companion.


Joom said that there had seemed to be a significant increase in the number of cremations taking place at the temple recently. Usually organized on the weekend, Joom believes that the rate of cremation ceremonies has doubled since last year. Since demand for such services is strong, Joom recommends pet owners call the temple at the earliest possible opportunity under such circumstances.

Pets are often such an important part of a person’s life that the owner wishes to honor the deceased, just as they might a close friend. Arranging a nice funeral ceremony is one way an owner can express the love and respect felt for a loyal companion.

On reflection
My friend returned from the temple again the day after the cremation ceremony with a little golden urn containing Pepsi’s ashes.


While this was my first visit to the temple, it is unlikely to be my last as Money, my English Cocker Spaniel, is now seven years old. While he’s in excellent health, the day will come when we, too, will have to be parted.

Since our experience was so positive under the circumstances, I would certainly consider making similar arrangements at Wat Bangbua when that day comes to pass.

For further information regarding the services at Wat Bangbua, call Joom at Tel: +66 (0)80 283 0775 or +66 (0)80 272 7438.

Transport connections:
Wat Bangbua is located next to Sripatum University on Phahol Yothin Road (Chatuchak district).

Car: From Central Ladphrao take Phaholyothin Road until the Kaset Intersection, Wat Bangbua temple is located right next to Sripatum University (Bangkhen).
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