CHONBURI, THAILAND – An undertaker in Chonburi drew public attention after a petrol station initially refused to sell him diesel needed for a cremation amid ongoing fuel shortages.
Incident at the petrol station
On 29 March 2023, an undertaker in Chonburi attempted to buy diesel to cremate a deceased person. Staff at the petrol station refused to sell the fuel, suspecting that he might be trying to store it. In response, he brought the body in a coffin to the station to demonstrate his need.
To support his explanation, he arrived with three fuel cans and told staff the diesel was required specifically for the cremation. After this, the station allowed him to purchase the fuel. The case highlighted how fuel shortages had started to affect essential funeral services.
Background to the dispute
The undertaker, Mr Pricha, had worked in the profession since 2005 and had always used diesel for cremations. The current shortage, linked in the report to the war, had caused significant difficulties for his work. He faced pressure to carry out the cremation despite limited access to fuel.
The family of the deceased had requested a cremation because they were financially constrained. At the same time, the hospital needed space for new bodies, increasing the urgency of the situation. The combination of low income and limited hospital capacity left few alternatives.
Reactions to the situation
The incident prompted strong reactions on social media, where many users criticised the decision of the petrol station. The undertaker streamed the episode live on Facebook to show the challenges he faced during the fuel crisis. Viewers watched as he tried to justify his need for diesel.
Many commenters expressed sympathy for his situation and backed his attempt to secure fuel for the cremation. They called for better support and clearer guidelines for undertakers during crises. Some demanded that essential services receive priority access to scarce resources.
The undertaker’s role
Undertakers play an important role in society, particularly in difficult times. According to the report, Mr Pricha stressed that his responsibilities extended beyond operating the cremation itself. He also saw his work as supporting grieving families who were under emotional and financial strain.
The challenges facing undertakers were often overlooked, especially when resources were scarce. The case in Chonburi raised broader questions about how essential services should be treated during fuel shortages and other emergencies. It also sparked an online debate about whether petrol stations should act more flexibly in times of crisis.