Regarding the news about the ashes of the late young comedian actor, Neng Mengjai, still being at the temple even though the cremation ceremony was completed several days ago, prompting comedian friends to post criticisms directed at Ice Thalachanun, Neng Mengjai's wife, which has sparked heated debate online.
Recently, Jackarin from Thairath Entertainment inquired about this issue with lawyer James Nitithorn Kaewto, a well-known attorney, regarding who has legitimate rights over the ashes of the deceased.
Asked about whether someone other than the wife can perform ceremonies using the ashes of the deceased,
"I think it depends on who arranged the funeral (for example, the funeral for P'Ball Chernyim lasted three days, and then Ice, the wife, held another ceremony afterward). If that’s the case, I believe the current wife would have the right to possess the ashes."
"Suppose it’s Neng’s sister who wants to conduct a ceremony with the ashes, what must be done?"
"Permission must be requested. We need to check if he was legally married to his wife (Jackarin confirmed they registered their marriage). If so, permission must be obtained."
"Although he has passed away, the ashes legally belong to the registered wife?"
"The body is considered property because it has value. So I view that once the body decomposes, leaving only ashes, the person who arranged the funeral—his wife—is the one who has the right to authorize who can take or not take the ashes."
"If a lawsuit is filed in the future, or a police report is made, is that possible?"
"Suppose the wife does not allow anyone to take even a single piece of the ashes, no one can take it (not even the children)? Are they children? We need to consider who the legal heirs are and their order."
"What about children from a former wife?"
"I consider them legal heirs. If Neng did not leave a will, all his children who bear his surname, who were supported and raised by him, including those registered with the first wife before divorce, are lawful children entitled to inherit everything. Regarding the ashes, if considered property by law, they also have rights to them."
"So both children may have rights, but the youngest is only 13 years old?"
"If a child is 13, the mother must act as the legitimate representative to exercise the right to file any claims. Let me share an example: There has never been a lawsuit over ashes yet, but there has been a dispute over a preserved body that does not decompose."
"In conclusion, does Ice have the right to manage the ashes?"
"I believe she has the right to manage them. Her children also have rights because they are lawful children. If they want a share, it should be given to them."
Click to readEntertainment newsMore