Nine Buddhist monks killed after child driving pickup truck crashes into religious procession in Thailand

A tragic road accident in northeastern Thailand claimed the lives of nine Buddhist monks after an 11 year old boy lost control of a pickup truck and crashed into a religious procession. The incident happened in Mukdahan province on Thursday as a group of monks was taking part in a pilgrimage along a roadside. Several others were seriously injured, making it one of the deadliest accidents involving a religious gathering in the country in recent years.

According to police, the procession included 35 monks and five lay followers who were walking together when the pickup truck suddenly drove into the group. Witnesses said the vehicle was traveling at high speed before striking the monks without warning. Emergency teams rushed to the scene and transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where several victims were treated for severe injuries.

One of the surviving monks, identified as Phra Sompong, recalled the frightening moments before the crash. He said he noticed a young boy driving the pickup truck while he was reciting prayers during the pilgrimage. Within seconds, the vehicle slammed into the procession at full speed. He and another monk managed to jump out of the way just in time, escaping serious injury. He said the monks at the front of the line survived, while those behind were hit with great force and thrown into the air.

Police confirmed that five monks died at the scene, while three more later died in hospital. Local authorities later announced the death of another monk, bringing the total number of fatalities to nine. Health officials also reported that several monks remained in critical condition, while others suffered serious injuries and continued receiving medical treatment.

Investigators said the boy had taken his parents’ pickup truck without their permission before the crash. Authorities have seized the vehicle for a technical examination to determine whether any mechanical problems contributed to the accident. Police have also called the child’s parents for questioning as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and consider legal responsibilities related to the child’s supervision.

Under Thai law, children younger than 12 cannot be held criminally responsible for their actions. As a result, the investigation is expected to focus on other legal aspects, including how the child gained access to the vehicle and whether proper precautions were taken to prevent such an incident.

Buddhist monks hold a respected position in Thai society and regularly take part in public religious activities, including pilgrimages and ceremonies where they receive offerings from local communities. The accident has shocked the nation and prompted widespread expressions of grief.

Mukdahan Governor Worayan Bunnarat described the tragedy as a reminder of the importance of road safety and urged families to be more careful in preventing children from accessing vehicles. He said everyone has a role in helping reduce road accidents and protecting lives. Thailand continues to face a high number of traffic deaths each year due to speeding, careless driving, and weak enforcement of traffic laws. Officials hope this heartbreaking incident will encourage stronger awareness and greater responsibility to prevent similar tragedies in the future.