After a controversy arose over the ashes of the late young comedian, Neng Mengjai, which remained stored in a room at Wat Klang, Klong 4, even though the cremation ceremony had been held several days earlier, sparking heated debate and criticism online, Ice Thalachanan, Neng’s wife, until Pa Choo Wat Sawet, a close associate of Neng Mengjai, came to the temple requesting that Neng’s ashes be divided between Neng’s family and Guitar Patcharamon, and Nong Penny Thaninee, Neng’s two daughters.
Ice then informed the temple that she agreed to split the ashes into two parts for each family to conduct their own ceremonies. She also posted a statement addressing the ashes drama and plans to sue individuals who livestreamed parts, posted misleading messages, and caused misunderstandings damaging to her and her family, leading many to suspect she was referring to Pa Choo, who had previously livestreamed and posted various messages. Recently, reporters asked Pa Choo about the situation.
"How was the issue finally resolved?"
"In summary, it went well. First, I want to thank the abbot and Ice. We talked it through. Ice agreed to give half of the ashes, and the temple officials will divide them equally. Then each side can proceed with their religious ceremonies."
"When did you have this discussion?"
"Just now. The abbot spoke with Ice first. I just met the abbot moments ago. Everything was discussed and settled. Regarding the division, the temple will record the entire process on video so everyone knows the proper procedures were followed. I want to thank Ice; this settles everything. Everyone can move on to their work. As for anything I said or if this goes to the justice system, I accept it. If I’m wrong, I admit it; if I’m right, so be it. I have no ill intent. I just want to handle Neng’s ashes properly. Whatever has happened is in the past. If Ice wants to file a complaint, I’m ready to face the legal process."
"Who will be involved in the ashes division process?"
"Only temple officials will be present; no one else will be allowed. The process will be recorded on video. Whoever receives the ashes on the children’s side could be me or someone else as their representative."
"Will Ice come in person?"
"Ice’s portion is still kept at the temple because she said she is waiting for an auspicious day. That is up to her. As for our part, once we receive it, we will quickly conduct the ceremony and take the ashes back today. The children have already prepared everything. We’re just waiting for the temple to complete the process and hand over the ashes."
"Does Neng’s sister and others now know the issue has been settled?"
"Everyone knows and is happy. We all want this to end without any more drama. If anything is wrong, so be it."
"Will Ice’s half of the ashes stored at the temple be moved?"
"That depends on Ice and what she discussed with the abbot. We cannot interfere because Ice is legally registered as Neng’s wife, so that part is hers. As for us, we’re ready to take our half back soon, maybe tomorrow or the day after, and plan to scatter the ashes at sea. The ashes are divided into two parts; Ice gave half, and we are happy with that."
"Did Ice say she authorized this today or yesterday, and why was she unreachable yesterday?"
"I didn’t ask the abbot for more details, but this is what he told me, so I relay it as is."
"Aside from the ashes issue, have other matters been settled?"
"Currently, the children’s side doesn’t want anything else. After this, it’s over. We have the ashes, so it’s done. Any property matters will follow legal processes. If Ice has a share, she can take it. We don’t want anything."
"Have you seen Ice’s posts?"
"Yes, I have. I worked for seven days and I speak from what I saw. We were at the temple or elsewhere, but there are CCTV cameras everywhere. Ice clarified her side with evidence. It’s up to the public to believe her or not. That’s another matter, and we cannot interfere. Otherwise, it would cause more drama."
"During the first interview, you seemed to anticipate legal issues arising from what you mentioned?"
"Yes, I was aware. If I did anything wrong, I apologize. But everything I did was for Neng’s children. I never did it for anyone else. If I’m wrong, I accept it. If the court summons me, I’ll confess. If sentenced to jail, I’ll go. If fined, I’ll pay. I am a man of my word and will accept responsibility."
"After reading Ice’s posts, have you prepared with a lawyer?"
"Somewhat, but we haven’t gone deep because we arranged to meet the abbot first to quickly resolve this drama. Legal matters are for the lawyers."
"Do you plan to talk with Ice to possibly avoid a lawsuit?"
"Ice, within seven days since receiving the body, should know what I’ve done for Neng’s children. I never took money from her. Since receiving the body, I did everything — cleaning, working with temple staff, buying things, even arranging for monks to ordain. If Ice sees me as her elder brother, I’m open to talk. But if she wants to sue, I’m ready to go through the justice process."
"Are there others who might be sued by Ice for statements they made?"
"That depends on Ice and her judgment about how much damage I caused. It’s up to her. If she wants me to apologize publicly, I’m willing to do so."
"Have you talked with Ice yet?"
"Not yet, as she isn’t answering calls. Some elders are trying to contact her to resolve the matter. I think she has calmed down now. Everyone has received what they should."
"So yesterday, emotions were high on both sides?"
"Yes, we are neutral here. If a relative dies and their ashes are left like that, anyone would be angry, right? I’m not taking sides. When I saw the condition, I knew the second person, Yu, but not the first, Ball, who didn’t know yet. Yu called to consult me about the ashes and what to do next. I told him to make merit first and I would handle Ball’s side. I called Ball, who was unaware, but Ball called back first. So I told him Yu found Neng’s ashes that Ice didn’t take home, which sparked the drama."
"Ice posted she didn’t know why the temple kept the ashes there. Did you talk with the temple about why they were placed there?"
"First, we must respect the temple’s premises. I live at the temple and know all rituals. The abbot’s orders are final. After the cremation, the next morning certain rites are performed. After that, the host can request to store the ashes temporarily. But the host didn’t specify how they wanted the ashes stored, so temple staff didn’t know either. They placed the ashes in a storage room in a container that looked like a seasoning box, which seemed inappropriate. If the ashes had been placed in the main hall, it would not have caused this issue."
"Do you think this was a miscommunication from the start with many misunderstandings?"
"After the cremation, the next day, normally if it’s a comedian like Ton, I would come myself. But with Neng, I didn’t come because my role ended. There are deeper issues I can’t speak about. The responsibility then passed to Ice, Neng’s wife, and it’s up to her what to do."
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