Ancient Coffin Found at Bangkok Temple Identified as Founder's Ancestor
Workers renovating Wat Saket temple in Bangkok uncovered a 155-year-old coffin containing the remains of the chapel founder's great-grandmother, who died in 1951. Her descendants are conducting funeral rites before returning the ashes to th
Wat Saket has clarified that a coffin discovered beneath the Limpaphon Viharn belonged to the great-grandmother of the chapel's founding family, who died in 1951. Her descendants have received the remains and are preparing funeral rites, with the ashes to be kept in the original location.
The deteriorated red wooden coffin, roughly 155 years old, was found during excavation work at Wat Saket, the royal temple in Bangkok. Initial inspection revealed female skeletal remains believed to have been there for at least 50 years. The coffin also contained a stainless steel tray and four coins dated 1957. On July 19, 2026, the temple released a statement regarding the discovery.
The viharn was constructed in 1971 by the Limpaphon family. In 2025, the temple committee decided to undertake renovations due to structural deterioration, strengthening the foundation and raising the structure to improve the landscape and increase usable space. Work began in April 2026. On July 16, 2026, during excavation, the construction company discovered a concrete structure resembling a lime pit beneath the viharn, behind the main Buddha image. Further investigation revealed a coffin containing skeletal remains inside.
After consulting with the chapel's descendants, temple officials learned the remains belonged to the great-grandmother, Khun Yai Thuat Foong, who died in 1951. Her ashes had been placed beneath the viharn at a later date, consistent with forensic examination confirming female skeletal remains. The temple coordinated with the descendants and police to retrieve the remains for proper funeral rites at Wat Saket, after which the ashes will be returned to the Limpaphon Viharn.
