CHIANG RAI– Police have reported a shocking discovery after the death of a revered nun at a famous hermitage site. She set herself on fire in the central courtyard of the site, leaving a handwritten letter that read, “Let my body be a lamp in homage to the Buddha.”
The incident involved Mae Chee Sangop, 84, a resident of Village 21 in Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai. She died late at night within the grounds of the Phai Morakot Hermitage , in Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai.
Pol Col Kiattisak Jitprasarn, acting superintendent of Mueang Chiang Rai Police Station, and Pol Lt Thirakit Chaisupap, an investigator at the same station, coordinated with the Siam Ruamjai Foundation (Poo In) to transfer the body to Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Police searched her lodging and found a single A4 sheet written in her handwriting. The note described her first meditation retreat in Phrae, where she learned about the Buddha and the ten future Buddhas.
It also mentioned that near the stupa within the hermitage, there are bodhisattvas believed to become Buddhas in the future. The letter referred to accounts of devotees in the past who offered themselves as a living lamp in honour of the Buddha.
She wrote that her faith inspired her to do the same, hoping to reach the Buddha realm alongside bodhisattvas.
Although the abbot had previously taught her not to attempt this act, saying one must first build spiritual merit, she stated that she now felt ready and free of worldly attachments. She added that she owned only an old, dilapidated house, and wished to make an offering to all Buddhas, present and future.
Members of the hermitage and fellow nuns said Mae Chee Sangop had lived at Phai Morakot for many years, since the time of the founder, Luang Por Dabot Sumano, before his passing.
After he died in 1991, she left for a period, then returned in 2003. Before the tragedy, some heard her say she would make a grand lamp offering on the night of November 5, but no one believed she intended to harm herself.
Later that night, after finishing duties, she walked in meditation until late. People then saw flames rising from the lawn and rushed over. They tried to extinguish the fire, but she had already passed away.
Police will continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, reach out now. Free, confidential help is available 24/7 in Thailand. Trained counsellors will listen without judgement. Here are the main helplines:
| Hotline Name | Phone Number | Details |
|---|---|---|
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Department of Mental Health Hotline (Primary National Suicide Prevention Line)
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1323 | 24/7 support by phone and online chat. Help with suicide prevention, mental health crises, and emotional support. Available in Thai. |
|
Social Help Center Hotline
|
1300 | 24/7 confidential support for social issues, suicide risk, and mental health. Available in Thai. |
|
The Samaritans of Thailand (Bangkok)
|
(02) 713-6793 | Thai-speaking line. Open daily from 12:00 to 22:00. |
|
The Samaritans of Thailand (English)
|
(02) 713-6791 | 24/7 line with an English callback within 24 hours. |
|
The Samaritans of Thailand (Chiang Mai)
|
(053) 225-977/8 | Thai-speaking line. Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, 19:00 to 22:00. |
These services are run by government agencies or nonprofits. You can also visit findahelpline.com/th for chat options and more resources. If it is an emergency, call 1911 for police or go to the nearest hospital. You are not alone. Reaching out is a strong step.
