Guests at a Thai funeral or merit-making ceremony (tham bun) commonly contribute money, traditionally in an envelope. Some would rather transfer, and relatives far away may want to take part too. A clearly written QR sign makes that easy and spares the family from answering the same questions again and again.
This guide is for hosts: which code to use, what the sign should say, and what to check first. Everything here is free on QRnaka, with no sign-up and no ads.
A PromptPay code with no amount
Each person gives what they feel is right, so leave the amount empty. Guests type their own figure, and one code serves everyone on every day of the ceremony. PromptPay codes follow the Thai QR Payment standard, and the site says they scan in every Thai bank app and in supported wallets.
Say clearly whose account receives the money
This matters more than anything else on the sign. Donations might go to:
- the host family, for the ceremony's costs or to make merit on the family's behalf;
- the temple holding the ceremony;
- a foundation the family has chosen, for example instead of wreaths.
People should know where their money goes. If a sign just says "make merit", some guests will assume the money goes straight to the temple, then hesitate when their app shows a private person's name.
So show, on the sign or in the announcement, the account name exactly as banking apps display it, who receives the money and why, and until when you accept transfers, if there is an end date.
If the money goes to a temple or foundation, get the PromptPay number or QR code from them directly, and scan it to confirm the name in the app is theirs. Never reuse a number passed along by someone else without checking.
Making the sign
The PromptPay QR page has a Printable card that lays the sign out for you.
- Enter the PromptPay number of the receiving account and leave the amount empty.
- Scroll to "Printable card" and switch on "Make a printable card".
- Set the "Heading": the suggestions include "Make a donation", or type your own, up to 40 characters.
- "Shop name" is free text: use it for the name of the ceremony or a few words the family chooses.
- In "Account name the bank app shows", type the name as the app displays it.
- Pick a calm card colour; the palette has several dark shades, and you can set your own.
- Choose A6 for a table or A5 for a wall, wait for the "Scans" badge on the preview, then download the PDF or print.
The card's foot asks payers to compare the name in their app with the account name on the card. Its fixed wording follows the site language, so for Thai guests press TH at the top before you fill in the card, and choose the heading ร่วมทำบุญ. More on sizes and printing in the PromptPay payment sign guide. On a public sign, a mobile number is a better PromptPay ID than a citizen ID, since anyone who reads the code sees the number: see PromptPay ID types.
During the ceremony
- Place the sign where envelopes are received, in good light and within sight of the family.
- If you announce the ceremony in a chat, send the QR image with the account name and payee in the same message.
- Ask one relative to look after donations and check the sign every day, especially over several evenings, when many people pass by.
- If a sticker appears on the sign, take it down and use a spare you have checked. See checking a PromptPay QR before paying.
Test it first
Print one sign at actual size (100%). Ask two or three relatives to scan it with their banking apps: the account name should match the sign and the amount should be empty. Then cancel. To see the number inside, open a photo of the sign on the Read QR page, which reads on your device and uploads nothing.
Tax receipts
Guests may ask whether a donation can be used for a tax deduction. This guide gives no tax advice: suggest they ask the receiving temple or organisation what documents it can issue, or ask the Revenue Department. A QR code made on QRnaka only moves money into the account you choose; QRnaka issues no receipt or donation certificate to the payer.
FAQ
Should the code include an amount?
No. A code without an amount lets each person give what they wish.
Does QRnaka receive any of the money?
No. Transfers go through PromptPay straight into the chosen account. QRnaka only makes the code.
Can we reuse the sign for a later ceremony?
Yes, if the account and purpose stay the same. Update the wording and test again.
Is it free?
Yes. The PromptPay code and the Printable card are free, with no sign-up and no ads.
When you are ready, open the PromptPay QR page, leave the amount empty, name the account and payee clearly, and have a relative test the sign first.
