Authorities were summoned after a pickup truck driven by an 11‑year‑old boy collided with a Buddhist procession near Mukdahan, killing nine monks and injuring dozens.
The group, consisting of 35 monks and five lay followers, was walking along Route 12 during a pilgrimage when the child‑driver lost control of the vehicle, sending the truck into the procession at high speed.
Video footage posted online shows saffron robes and personal items scattered along the road, while the truck lay wrecked on the shoulder. Police estimate that five monks died instantly on the scene, with four others succumbing later in hospital.
Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa confirmed that an investigation is underway and the legal process for the boy will be determined. The pickup has been seized for forensic examination.
The 11‑year‑old, who was reportedly a child with special needs and was not attending school that day, remains in the care of officials, his guardians and a doctor.
Mukdahan Hospital has called for urgent blood donations to treat the injured monks. Three of the monks are in critical condition and at least five have serious injuries; others are receiving treatment for lighter wounds.
Monk Phra Sompong, one of the survivors, recalled being chanting the mantra “Buddho, Buddho” when the truck suddenly slammed into their group. He added that he and another monk managed to dodge the impact, but the first nine in line were not so lucky.
In Thailand, Buddhist monks are revered custodians of the Buddha’s teachings, and public processions are common, with laypeople offering alms and respect.
Police said initial inquiries found no other adults at home that day, and that the boy’s guardians only discovered the missing vehicle and notified the police.
Provincial Governor Worayan Bunnarat warned that the incident should serve as a stark reminder of road safety, urging parents to oversee children’s driving and that the province has tightened safety measures in recent years.
