Neighbours on Soi Sujin in Muang district rushed to extinguish the fire and had Phatcharaporn Khuprasert, 32, taken to Phuttha Sothorn Hospital.

Neighbour Thianthawat Prai-anan, 62, said he heard the sound of fire erupting and, seeing the flames in the yard next door, rushed over with water, only to realise that it was a person burning.

Neighbour Somjai Charoensuk, 44, said Phatcharaporn runs a clothing shop and sells clothes online.

She has a four-year-old son but has apparently been depressed since her husband divorced her.

Boontham Chanthawong, 46, said the woman had made several previous attempts on her life, as recently as Sunday night, when she was prevented from setting herself on fire at a temple crematorium.

Her grandmother, Chaliaw Khuprasert, 89, said Phatcharaporn had returned home early Tuesday morning with a five-litre container of petrol and walked to the back of the house.

Moments later the grandmother heard the neighbours shouting.