BANGKOK, Thailand – An 11-year-old boy drove his parents’ truck into a Buddhist procession in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, killing nine monks and seriously injuring around 10 others.
A group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a roadside in Mukdahan province during a pilgrimage when the incident occurred.
Phra Sompong, one of the monks, described the moment in a video posted online by local rescue workers. “I saw a boy driving a pickup truck, approaching. At that moment I was chanting ‘Buddho, Buddho’,” he said.
“Then suddenly the truck hit at full speed and crashed us. Luckily another monk and I managed to jump out of the way in time. The first nine monks in line survived. But others who were hit were thrown into the air.”
Police said five monks died at the scene and three more in hospital. The Mukdahan provincial office later announced the death of a ninth monk.
Health authorities said four monks were in a critical condition and 10 others were seriously hurt, while more were being treated for lighter injuries.
CCTV footage from a nearby property shows the monks walking along the road with multiple vehicles driving past. The sound of a loud crash can be heard before the procession stops.
Police said the boy had taken his parents’ pickup truck without permission before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into the monks.
Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa, commander of the Mukdahan Provincial Police, told reporters the suspect is a child. “The vehicle has been taken for forensic examination to determine the cause. 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.”
Prayut Ruanthongkam, chief of Mukdahan City Police, confirmed the child was an 11-year-old boy.
In Thailand, children under the age of 12 have no criminal liability.
Mukdahan Governor Worayan Bunnarat said the case should serve as a wider warning on road safety.
“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,” the governor said.
“I think everyone involved, especially parents, needs to help, because no one wants something like this to happen.”
Deadly transport accidents are common in Thailand, which has one of the worst road safety records in the world. Speeding, drunk driving and weak law enforcement all contribute to the problem.
Buddhist monks are highly venerated in Thailand and are entrusted with preserving and passing on the Buddha’s teachings. They often hold public processions and are widely seen receiving alms from ordinary Thais.
