Depressed woman self-immolates at Big Buddha Mountain

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A former Koh Larn tour guide burned herself alive at the foot of Big Buddha Mountain after suffering from depression for three years.

The burned body of Pitchtatnan Dahsingh, 44, was found inside her smoldering silver Honda Jazz in a watermelon field across from Khao Chi-Chan Sept. 11. Her blackened hands were still set in a praying position.

Former Koh Larn tour guide Pitchtatnan Dahsingh self-immolated at the foot of Big Buddha Mountain after suffering from depression.Former Koh Larn tour guide Pitchtatnan Dahsingh self-immolated at the foot of Big Buddha Mountain after suffering from depression.

Pitchtatnan’s neighbor, Tongbai Vonglaah, told police the Indian-Thai woman had been a tour guide on Koh Larn until quitting due to depression three years ago.  After staying at home the entire time, Pitchtatnan reportedly asked to borrow 200 baht from her niece to buy gasoline so she could burn herself alive. The niece called police, who hospitalized the woman at Banglamung Hospital.

Pitchtatnan escaped, however, and took her car and newspapers from her home, then raced out toward Big Buddha Mountain. Nearly hitting several others on the way, police were advised and tried to pursue her, but reached the scene too late.