Temple Cremations in Thailand Affected by Oil Shortage, Traditional Charcoal Furnaces Reinstated

Amid the impact of tensions in the Middle East, many countries are experiencing a chain reaction of tightening energy supplies, now affecting even the most sensitive segments of society. In Samut Prakan Province, Thailand, multiple temples are facing disruptions to cremation ceremonies due to a shortage of diesel, drawing public attention.

According to comprehensive reports from Thai media, cremation in Thai society is not only a burial process but also a crucial farewell to the deceased. However, modern cremation systems are highly dependent on diesel fuel. With the recent tightening of fuel supplies, some temples are now experiencing a shortage of diesel.

Some temples have stated that if the fuel shortage continues, they may resume traditional wood-fired cremations, or, in cases where conditions do not allow it, temporarily store bodies until fuel becomes available for cremation.

However, these measures face implementation difficulties. Traditional wood-fired cremations can generate a lot of smoke, impacting nearby communities and the environment, while most existing cremation facilities are designed for modern systems and are not fully compatible with wood fires.

Crematorium staff interviewed revealed that they have tried to purchase diesel from several local gas stations, but many have already posted "Out of fuel" notices. Even those stations that still have stock have generally set a purchase limit of 1,000 baht, which is far from enough for cremation needs.

It is reported that each body requires an average of 40 to 60 liters of fuel, as the cremation process is lengthy. If fuel supply is interrupted, the ceremonies will be forced to pause.

Delays in Cremation Increase Psychological Strain on Families

At a temple in Phra Pradaeng District, acting abbot Phra Khu said that although the temple still has some fuel reserves and can maintain cremation for now, further tightening of supply will pose operational challenges.

Gas stations are also under pressure. An employee at a gas station pointed out that while fuel trucks are still delivering, the overall supply is significantly insufficient to meet the current rise in demand, so they have to implement limits or issue announcements.

Analysts believe that cremation delays not only add to the time cost for families, but greatly increase their psychological burden. Uncertainties in funeral arrangements make the already difficult family situations even harder.

Public opinion is calling for the relevant authorities to quickly coordinate fuel supplies to ease the tense situation and ensure that basic social functions are not affected. Industry insiders note that once fuel shortages affect the funeral process, the impact extends beyond a simple economic issue.
 Abbot Phra Kru Uthit Thammakun stated that, with fuel shortages and electric furnaces out of use, the temple has resumed traditional charcoal cremation furnaces to help the people. Abbot Phra Kru Uthit Thammakun stated that, with fuel shortages and electric furnaces out of use, the temple has resumed traditional charcoal cremation furnaces to help the people. 

Amid tight fuel supply and the shutdown of electric furnaces, a temple in Nong Chang District, Uthai Thani Province has resumed use of traditional charcoal cremation furnaces, offering relief to the local people.

This temple is called Wat Mai Pholsong (officially Wat Wong Boraphet), located in Thong Pho, and is one of the few temples in the area that still retains a traditional cremation furnace.

In recent years, many crematoriums switched to diesel or electric systems, but current fuel shortages have disrupted operations. Usually, diesel cremation of a body requires 60 to 100 liters of fuel, and many temples are unable to secure enough, resulting in funeral delays.

58-year-old abbot Phra Kru Uthit Thammakun stated that the temple is willing to help: "If there is no diesel, just bring the body here."

He noted that charcoal cremation usually takes 3 to 4 hours. Although longer than diesel or electric furnaces, the process is reliable and safe. The temple grounds are spacious and can handle complete funeral ceremonies or provide cremation services alone.

The abbot also emphasized that costs are "at your discretion," hoping to reduce the burden on the community during the fuel shortage period.