Buddhist Monk Pictured 'Smiling' As Body Is Exhumed Two Months After Death

Warning - this article contains pictures which some may find distressing

Incredible pictures have appeared online, which show a dead Buddhist monk smiling after his body was exhumed two months after his death.

Ninety-two-year old revered monk Luang Phor Pian died on 16 November last year at hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.

His body was recently exhumed by followers from its coffin, which had been kept at the temple he had formally served at, and onlookers were shocked to see how well-preserved the body was weeks after his death, with many believing that it is a sign of something divine.

According to local media, the body was in a state 'more consistent with somebody who had been dead for no more than 36 hours'.

Buddhist followers, who were present when the body was removed, said the way in which his body has remained preserved is a sign that the monk has reached nirvana - the ultimate spiritual goal for Buddhists.

It's reported that Phor Pian's corpse was removed in order to put new, clean robes on the body, when the smile and the body's extraordinary condition were spotted and commented on by those watching.

Many people took the opportunity to take photographs of the smiling monk, which have since popped up on social media.

Phor Pian was born in Cambodia, but moved to Thailand where he spent most of his life as a spiritual and Buddhist guru in Lopburi, where he was well-respected and well-known. His body was returned to Lopburi, and the temple had formally served at, following his death.

The monk's dedicated followers will continue to pray for him until he is finally laid to rest in a special ceremony which will be held 100 days after his death.