Bangkok: The family of a zoo worker who was mauled by a lion has received the body from the Police General Hospital’s forensic department for religious rites after the autopsy was completed. They have decided to preserve the body for three years before cremation, adhering to Mon beliefs regarding unnatural deaths. A zoo representative attended the event and provided the family with a first aid package.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Rattana, the youngest sister of the deceased, Mr. Jian, brought documents to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital, to formally request her brother’s body for religious ceremonies. She arrived with a change of clothes, the ones her brother usually wore. The body was then placed in a coffin and transported to Wat Paen Thong Sopharam in Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok, for the funeral rites.

The family conducted a ceremony based on ancient Mon beliefs, which involved the participation of four monks. Relatives gathered to pay their respects by placing roses, clay wrapped in gold, flowers, incense, candles, and a monk’s robe on the coffin. They then began the ritual of digging soil from the ground and placing it on the coffin, aligning it with clay wrapped in gold, while chanting.

During the lighting of incense sticks, Mrs. Chalat, the deceased’s 88-year-old aunt, fell to the ground in tears. She later recounted to reporters that she had a vision of her granddaughter standing at the incense burner, covered in blood and appearing sad, yet silent, before collapsing.

Ms. Rattanaporn, Mr. Jian’s wife, was the last to light incense sticks and pay her respects. Overcome with emotion, she knocked on the coffin, cried, and fainted.

Zoo representatives present at the temple discussed initial relief measures with Mr. Jian’s younger brother and other relatives for approximately 20 minutes.

Ms. Rattana addressed the public comments speculating about her brother’s behavior, which suggested negligence or questioned his actions leading to the tragedy. She urged for understanding, stating that the family has no knowledge of the incident’s details. The negative comments have deeply affected the family’s morale.

Post-incident, the company’s HR department has only discussed basic welfare matters with the family. They have not received official contact, particularly from Mr. Jian’s supervisor. The family appeals for compassion, emphasizing that they are mourning a diligent family member who had dedicated many years to his work.