Thais mourn film star buffalo

Buddhist funeral rites are normally reserved for humans

A Thai actor is holding a three-day funeral for a water buffalo which had a role in his most successful film.

Bin Banloerit said he wanted to offer thanks to Boonlert the buffalo, which features in the hit movie Bang Rachan.

The film, based on an epic battle between Thailand and Burma 230 years ago, has already taken more than $1.5m at the box office.

Buffalo soldier

Boonlert, who was selected for the film because of his 3m horns, was believed to resemble buffaloes from the Aytthaya period, 230 years ago.

He was ridden into battle by an axe-wielding drunk, played by Mr Bin.

Their double act was so popular, the buffalo was even invited on to television talk shows, although it's not clear how much it had to add to the discussion.

When Boonlert was reported to be sick, Mr Bin went to the animal's Bangkok stable and found him exhausted and unable to stand.

When the buffalo died on Sunday, reportedly of natural causes, Mr Bin decided to honour it by holding Buddhist funeral rites normally reserved for humans.

Boonlert is currently hanging upright, covered with white cloth. A Thai opera will be performed in front of it on Tuesday.