Bayon - bas-relief of a battle scene between the Khmer and the Cham circa 1177
Woman and son in Old Market - Siem Reap
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An Isaan style funeral
Dear Readers, It’s been a very long time since I posted. I've been a a lazy man! I’ve been thinking about this post for a week or so. I am documenting the funeral of my wife’s aunt who passed away about 10 days ago. I am also using the funeral as a means of talking about the culture surrounding the various ceremonies. Let me be clear from the outset, this is NOT how all funerals in Thailand take place. My wife’s family is initially from the northeastern province of Isaan. Most of the rituals are most likely observed in some form in Isaan. Even in our small village, each funeral can be a bit different. After a mercifully short time of illness, my wife’s aunt died at home. Out of respect for all, I am not posting any pictures or videos of her passing although I was present. In the few days leading up to her passing, most of her family arrived from all corners of Thailand. Some live in our village and some live a full day’s drive away. Local families shared...
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