WATCH: Tourists mistake Thai funeral for food court and get invited to dine
Two German tourists in Thailand walked into a funeral thinking it was a food court.
Image: Freepik
Random, hilarious things are inevitably going to happen when you’re a tourist in a “strange” country. You’re lost, your Google Maps is buffering, and suddenly you’re making life decisions based on vibes alone.
But this one? This takes the cake for 2026.
Backpackers in Thailand accidentally gatecrashed a funeral after mistaking the venue for a restaurant.
And I get it… because when you’re travelling, you’re always hungry, always confused, and always ready to sit down anywhere that looks like it might serve rice.
In your own hometown, there are key signs that tell you, “Yup, funeral over here.” And the biggest one? The food.
Where I’m from, it’s either curry or breyani, served in a styrofoam bakkie. And don’t act brand new, funeral food slaps. Occasionally, you’ll catch food poisoning, but that depends on the weather because these dishes don’t do well under the hot sun. It’s basically roulette, but with spices.
One funeral-goer told reporters he was greeting mourners at the traditional service when he spotted a couple of German tourists entering the premises like they were about to order lunch specials. He went over to speak to them, and they genuinely asked if the place was a food court.
Shame, man.
The viral clip shows them sitting at a table waiting for a menu, completely unaware they were surrounded by grief, tears, and not a single waiter in sight. When they finally realised the situation, they were apparently mortified and extremely apologetic.
But in true Thai hospitality fashion, the deceased’s sister invited them to stay anyway.
Because clearly in Thailand, even if you accidentally pull up to a funeral looking for Pad Thai… you’ll still get treated like family. And isn't that what travelling is all about?
Funerals have a way of bringing out the caring side of people. Even in the middle of sadness, people still make space for others.
In our communities, funerals aren’t just about mourning; they’re also about showing up. It’s where neighbours become family, where people who haven’t spoken in years suddenly hug, and where someone will hand you a plate of food.
After the crying, after the heaviness, after the goodbye… there’s a meal, there’s laughter and tears, and there’s a reminder that life still continues and it can still be beautiful.