Death on Wheels: Bangkok casket maker makes waves with coffin skateboards

Photo: Joke Coffin / Facebook
Photo: Joke Coffin / Facebook

As waves of Thais take to surfskating and skateboarding, one Bangkok casket maker is putting his own macabre spin on deck designs using leftover coffin lids.

Anusorn “Joke” Yangyuen, owner of the Burapa Casket shop in the northern district of Sai Mai, had wracked up considerable street cred today with his inventive design featuring a golden brocade design and traditional angel usually made for less lively customers.

Joke said he came up with the idea after learning that skate boards can cost thousands of bahts, therefore he decided to make one with what he had on hand in his shop.

“I used leftover wood from coffins to make the board, then I got the wheels from a construction supply shop,” Anusorn told the TV crews that showed up today to check out his work.

While dedicated skaters may be put off by the nonstandard trucks, Anusorn may have stumbled onto a new vocation – since posting a photo with his deck, he said he’s been overwhelmed with orders. 

“People contacted by phone and Facebook wanting to pre-order the board. Some even offered deposits,” he said. 

But the man has something bigger in mind. 

“Instead of making them bulk for sale, I’m thinking about giving them away for free to Sai Mai’s children,” he said.

Now that’s a pro move.

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