Warning
CONSUMED BY FIRE
Horror as Thai man carrying dozens of losing lottery tickets burns himself alive at Buddhist temple
In the horror footage, the 52-year-old set himself alight - filling the area with a huge flash of light from the fireball
THIS is the horrifying moment a man carrying dozens of losing lottery tickets set himself alight at a Buddhist temple this morning.
The 52-year-old man was seen on CCTV walking into the grounds of the religious building in Pattaya, Thailand, before going to the crematorium building at 5am local time.
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After walking out of view of a CCTV camera, the Thai local set himself alight - filling the area with a huge flash of light from the fireball.
Shocked monks rushed out and saw the man's body ablaze and when fire crews arrived, they found him still covered in flames slumped against the wall of the Buddhist crematorium.
Officers extinguished the flames before recovering dozens of charred lottery tickets and bank documents from his pockets.
Head monk Sanan Khuttawanyo, 73, said: "I woke up and was preparing to go to alms when I noticed the smoke was rising from the crematorium. I went to check."
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He continued: "The fire was burning so I quickly called the police. The temple is locked every night and people are prohibited from coming inside.
"There was nothing unusual last night or when I woke up this morning."
Police identified the man from bank documents showing debts which he had kept in his pocket and survived the inferno.
He was wearing black trousers, a white shirt and black shoes.
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Police Liuetnenat Colonel Romran Sri-kaipat from the Nong Prue Police Station is now investigating the suicide at the Wat Sutthawat temple.
He said: "Police were notified at 6am of the fire at the temple. The Sawang Boriboon Foundation attended and the man was found burned from flames.
"We have gathered the pile of evidence from the scene and will investigate the death thoroughly. The dead body was sent to the autopsy and forensic police hospital to find the true cause of death.
"The cause is suicide and I will contact the relatives to clarify the full situation.''
IF you are having suicidal thoughts, suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to talk, call The Samaritans on 116 123.