The Origin of the Name “Pa Cha” – The Eerie Burial Ground and the Meaning of “Cha” in Relation to Death

When mentioning the word “ Pa Cha ” many may wonder what the word “ Cha ” has to do with death, or if it refers to the place being quiet and almost motionless. In fact, the term does not mean slowness, nor does it derive from the deceased moving slowly as some might think.

Explaining the meaning of “Pa Cha”

The 2011 Royal Institute Dictionary defines “Pa Cha” as a forest or place designated for burial or cremation. Whichmeans that “Pa Cha” does not only refer to a burial site but can also be a place for cremation, corpse storage, or performing rites related to the deceased according to each community’s traditions.

In the past, places for handling the dead were often in forested areas away from homes because cremation and burial required space, and people believed in spirits, death, and inauspiciousness, thus separating these areas from living quarters.

Why is it called “Pa Cha”? The origin of the place’s name A burial ground that is very quiet and still

The term “ Pa Cha ” consists of “ Pa ” (forest) and “ Cha ” which here does not mean time-consuming but is related to the word “Chua,” as seen in the compound word “ Chua Cha ” that has negative or inauspicious meanings.

Associate Professor Praphon Ruangnarong a Thai language expert, explained that “Cha” is a reduplication of “Chua” in “Chua Cha.” Therefore, "Pa Cha" means a place traditionally viewed as inauspicious or negative because it is associated with corpses and death.

In summary,it is thatthe term “ Pa Cha ” does not mean a forest that moves slowly but linguistically “Cha” connects to “Chua Cha,” referring to something bad or inauspicious in old beliefs. Combined with “Pa” (forest), it became the name for areas used for burial, cremation, or corpse management still used today.

What do different Thai regions call “Pa Cha”?

Besides the commonly used “Pa Cha” in Central Thailand, various local terms exist for burial or cremation sites, including:

• In the North and some parts of the Northeast, it is called “Pa Hew” or “Pa Haew.”
• In the South, it is called “Prew” or spelled “Pleo.”
• In Central Thai language, the terms “Pa Cha” or “Suthan” (cemetery) are common.

These terms share the common idea of viewing the place for handling the dead as separated from the living world and associated with inauspiciousness according to traditional beliefs.

Pa Cha is not just a frightening place but reflects life’s impermanence.

Although the image of Pa Cha is linked to silence, eeriness, and supernatural tales,.Pa Cha is a significant place for rituals, sending off the deceased, and connecting family and community relationships.

In Buddhism, Pa Cha is also where some monks meditate on the impermanence of the body to remind that all humans face aging, illness, and death. Contemplating corpses aims to reveal life’s truth rather than to instill fear.

References:"Four-Region Thai Proverbs and Idioms" by Associate Professor Praphon Ruangnarong, Royal Institute