Nine monks killed in Thailand after 11-year-old drives pickup into procession
An 11-year-old boy driving his parents' pickup truck collided with a Buddhist procession in Mukdahan province, killing nine monks and injuring several others.
Nine Buddhist monks were killed and a number of others injured when an 11-year-old boy took his parents' pickup truck without permission and struck a procession of monks and lay followers in Mukdahan province, police said. The group, consisting of 35 monks and five laypeople, was walking along the road as part of a pilgrimage when the vehicle lost control and hit them. Five monks died at the scene and four more later in hospital, while three remain in critical condition and at least five are seriously hurt.
Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa said the vehicle is being examined forensically and that authorities are still deciding on the legal steps for the child, who is reported to have special needs. The boy is under the care of officials, his guardians and a doctor, according to the police spokesperson.
One monk, Phra Sompong, recounted that he was chanting a meditation mantra when the truck approached at speed and struck the procession, noting that some monks were able to jump clear of the impact.
Thai police emphasized that the incident underscores the need for stricter road safety, noting that the child was alone at the time and had not attended school due to illness.