A shocking case of mistaken identity led to a Thai man from Sakon Nakhon, Isaan, finding himself the guest of honor at his own funeral.
The incident began when local police mistakenly identified a body as that of 45-year-old Phet Srithanajorn, a resident of Sawang Dandin district after a man was found dead during the region’s cold weather.
Police Identify Wrong Body, Notify Family
On January 18, 2025, police in Borrabue, Maha Sarakham, responded to a call about a body found in the cold weather. Officers believed the deceased man was Phet and quickly contacted his family to inform them of his supposed death.
According to The Thaiger, the body was sent for an autopsy in Khon Kaen to confirm the cause of death and the identity, and the police urged the family to begin preparing for the funeral.
Doubts Raised During Identification Process
By January 19, 2025, Phet’s family had started making funeral arrangements, Matichon reports. Phet’s younger brother, however, was skeptical about the identification. He traveled to Khon Kaen on January 20 to verify the body.
Upon seeing it, according to Thai.news, he noticed that the body lacked Phet’s tattoos on his back which made him doubt the identification further.
Despite his concerns, he chose to wait for the official autopsy results.
Phet’s Return Leaves Family Stunned
While Phet’s brother was still at the hospital in Khon Kaen, Phet shocked his family by coming home, alive and well. His sudden appearance led his family to think he was a ghost upon his return.
The family immediately called Phet’s brother to inform him of Phet’s unexpected return. His return confirmed the family’s doubts about the identification.
Financial and Emotional Strain on the Family
Although relieved to find Phet alive, the family had already spent over 10,000 baht (approx. 398.80 SGD) on the funeral preparations. From food to calling relatives, everything was arranged for his memorial.
The family decided to turn the funeral into a merit-making ceremony instead, hoping to lift any bad luck and bring blessings to Phet.
Collects Recyclables for a Living
Phet’s 66-year-old father, Kaysorn, shared that Phet earns a living by gathering and selling recyclable materials. He frequently leaves home for several days at a time to collect waste.
Before the police were alerted, Phet had traveled to various locations, including Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, and Maha Sarakham, to gather recyclables.
His absence led Kaysorn to believe the deceased body belonged to Phet.
The identity of the Deceased Remains Unclear
As of now, the identity of the deceased person remains unknown. Authorities are still working to confirm who the man is, but the confusion sheds light on the need for proper identification in such sensitive situations.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Thai Singer, 20, Dies After Multiple Massage Sessions at Udon Thani Parlor
Boy, 12, Saves 17-Year-Old Girl from Suicide Attempt in Chao Phraya River, Thailand
Drunk British Tourist Falls Naked and Covered in Poop Through Ceiling in Thailand
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
