8 Thai Monks Killed, 20 Injured After 11-Year-Old Drives Truck Into Procession
No fewer than 8 Buddhist monks have been confirmed dead, while 20 others sustained injuries after an 11-year-old boy reportedly drove his parents’ pickup truck into a religious procession in northeastern Thailand on Thursday.
The tragic incident occurred in Mukdahan Province, where 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a roadside as part of a pilgrimage.
A video circulating online showed the group walking in an orderly procession as vehicles passed by before a loud crash was heard, bringing the march to an abrupt halt.
Health authorities said four monks were in critical condition at Mukdahan Hospital, while 10 others suffered serious injuries. Several more victims were receiving treatment for less severe wounds.
According to local police, the boy allegedly took his parents’ pickup truck without their permission before losing control of the vehicle and ploughing into the procession.
“The suspect is a child. The vehicle has been taken for forensic examination to determine the cause,” Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa, commander of the Mukdahan Provincial Police, stated.
Thaiphutsa said investigators had invited the boy’s parents for questioning as part of efforts to establish responsibility before commencing legal proceedings.
He added, “We’ve asked the child’s parents to come in so we can determine who is responsible for the child’s care, so we can go on with legal process.”
Mukdahan Provincial Governor Worayan Bunnarat said the monks who escaped injury had been taken back to Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom.
He described the tragedy as a reminder of the need to strengthen road safety measures.
“We’ve been very strict on road safety in recent years. This case should be a lesson not just for our province, but for the public in general when it comes to preventing road accidents.
“I think everyone involved, especially parents, needs to help, because no one wants something like this to happen,” he stated.
Reports indicate that road safety remains a major challenge in Thailand despite improvements in recent years, with the country’s road traffic fatality rate still well above the regional average.
Al Jazeera
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
