The crisis continues as many temples in Samut Prakan province face shortages of "diesel fuel." This shortage is affecting the conduct of "funeral ceremonies."
On 21 March 2026, reporters reported that many temples in Samut Prakan, especially in Phra Pradaeng and Phra Samut Chedi districts, are experiencing shortages of diesel fuel, which is a crucial fuel for conducting funeral ceremonies. This shortage inevitably impacts the religious rites.
As a result, some temples are preparing to change methods, possibly reverting to using firewood for cremation or in some cases postponing the funerals temporarily by storing the deceased until diesel can be procured. Using traditional firewood methods may cause smoke issues, affecting the community and environment, especially since the current upgraded crematorium systems cannot use firewood. They must reconsider their approach if the diesel shortage persists.
Meanwhile, crematorium staff, or undertakers, revealed they have been searching various local gas stations for diesel but often find signs indicating fuel is sold out, preventing normal procurement and continuously disrupting public funeral services.
Mr. Ekaphon Srisura, 44, a crematorium staff member, said the main difficulty now is finding diesel fuel for cremations. He went to buy fuel today but found no stations with diesel available. Most stations are sold out, and those that do sell limit purchases to 1,000 baht, which is insufficient for the cremation process.
On average, 40 to 60 liters of diesel are needed per deceased person, depending on individual body size. Typically, about 80 liters are purchased per cremation to avoid delays. He worries that if there is a cremation tomorrow, there may be no fuel available to complete it.
This situation causes hardship for temples, as each cremation takes considerable time. If diesel cannot be obtained, they may resort to using firewood or other combustible materials temporarily, but this is difficult and produces significant smoke. The current crematorium technology controls pollution, so reverting to firewood raises concerns. He admitted feeling worried and troubled by the situation.
Phra Kru Wimon Silakhun (Uthen), acting abbot of Wat Paichayon Pholsap Ratchaworawihan in Bang Phu subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng district, said the temple has not yet been heavily affected and can still obtain fuel. However, if this continues, problems will arise as they do not know what to do. They would need to discuss with the community since without diesel, cremations cannot proceed. Deceased bodies would have to be stored until fuel is available or families would need to find diesel themselves.
Meanwhile, Pin, an employee at a local gas station, said the fuel situation is critical. Although fuel trucks deliver as usual, the volume is insufficient to meet customer demand. She serves customers to the best of her ability. Today, no funeral-related fuel purchases occurred, but at times when fuel runs low, they must post signs indicating some fuel types are unavailable or sold out, insufficient to serve all customers.
This situation is causing great distress to bereaved families who may be unable to conduct funerals as scheduled and face inconvenience during their time of loss. Many parties are calling on relevant agencies to urgently resolve the diesel shortage to alleviate the impact as soon as possible.