Today, as I walked about the Wat Chai grounds in Pattaya, I noticed that parking was being directed by men in Army fatigues, which indicated some sort of military funeral. Then I heard the playing of what seemed to be some sort of Western music which piqued my curiosity.
The crematorium was lavishly decorated with many floral tributes and all the attendees were Thai in black suits and dresses.
The music was by a small combo of military personnel including a trumpet, violin, and several other musical instruments.
The music was of a militaristic style but soft and very impressive; the tunes were recognizable to anyone familiar, at all, with military music, but, at the same time, very lovely and haunting.
Whomever the deceased was, he was given a most impressive ceremony.