Thailand held its second Death Fest, encouraging people to face death and discuss taboos surrounding birth, ageing, illness and death.
The event brought together specialists in medical care, financial planning, hospice care, funeral services and innovative memorials. Exhibitions and talks explored quality of life near its end.
A co-organiser, the editor of The Cloud identified in the report as Zong Geluo, said death concerns everyone and does not happen only to oneself. The emphasis, he said, was on making life easier for loved ones left behind.
A popular activity invited visitors to try lying in coffins. Coffins of different styles and sizes were provided, with a mirror overhead so participants could reflect on life rather than simply feel frightened.
One participant said: “I don’t think I’m afraid of death. Of course I don’t want to die, but when that day comes, perhaps it won’t be so frightening.”
