Spooky film screened at Nakhon Ratchasima cemetery

A spooky film screening was held at the Chinese cemetery in Nakhon Ratchasima, with hundreds of empty chairs set up for unclaimed spirits. The event, organised by the Sawang Metta Thammasathan Foundation, took place at a cemetery home to 2,800 graves.

After a ceremony for the unclaimed deceased, the foundation arranged an open-air film screening from June 2 to June 6. Each evening, the film was shown from 7pm until around midnight. At 6pm the film’s owner and foundation staff prepared equipment, with nearly 10 attendees.

As the night progressed, the atmosphere grew eerie. The number of viewers dwindled until only a few foundation staff remained. Rows of chairs stood empty, adding to the haunting ambience. The screening area was near the cremation site, where the cremation fire was still burning, intensifying the chilling atmosphere.

Yanawut Chakrawattisawang, the 42 year old owner of the outdoor cinema, shared his initial fears about the event. He usually screened films in villages but was contacted to show a film for the spirits at the Chinese cemetery.

On the first day, he was apprehensive about where to set up the screening. However, seeing the actual location and having foundation staff by his side eased his fears somewhat. Despite this, he chose not to stay until the film ended, opting to return home and come back at midnight when the film concluded.

Yanawut described this experience as unique and positive, as it was the first time he was hired to entertain spirits. He felt a sense of satisfaction knowing he was providing entertainment for the unseen, acknowledging his belief in the supernatural.

Unclaimed bodies

“I felt scared at first, not knowing where I would be showing the film. But seeing the place and having the foundation staff around made me feel a bit better.

“I didn’t stay for the whole screening because I was still scared, so I went home and returned at midnight when the film finished.”

This event was part of the seventh grand charity for unclaimed bodies at the cemetery, known locally as Pa Cha Cheen. The ceremony and film screening aimed to honour the spirits of those without relatives, offering them a rare form of entertainment, reported KhaoSod.

The film screenings took place over five nights, with the final show yesterday, June 6. Each evening, the films ran from 7pm until midnight, with the eerie setting of the cemetery adding to the unique experience. The foundation’s commitment to such a peculiar event highlights the blend of cultural practices and beliefs surrounding the afterlife in Thailand.