Nine Buddhist monks were killed when an 11‑year‑old boy drove his parents’ pickup truck into a pilgrimage procession in northeast Thailand.
The group, consisting of 35 monks and five lay followers, was walking along a road in Mukdahan province when the incident occurred.
Video footage posted online shows a wrecked vehicle, scattered saffron robes and belongings scattered by the roadside. Five monks died at the scene, and four others later in hospital, according to police.
Police say the boy took the pickup without permission, lost control, and crashed into the monks, as reported by the Agence France‑Presse.
Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa told reporters that a forensic examination of the vehicle is underway and the legal process for the juvenile suspect is still being determined.
Thaiphutsa later confirmed the boy is being cared for by officials, including his guardians and a doctor, and that the child has special needs, but no further details have been released.
Mukdahan Hospital has appealed for urgent blood donations to help the injured monks.
At the time of the incident, three monks remained in critical condition and at least five others were seriously hurt, with more receiving treatment for lighter injuries.
Monk Phra Sompong, present in the group, recounted hearing a mantra before the crash and witnessing the truck hit them at full speed.
Monks hold a revered status in Thailand, entrusted with preserving Buddha’s teachings.
Public processions are common, with visitors offering monks alms such as food and necessities.
Police noted no other adults were present at the time; the boy had not gone to school because he was unwell. When his guardians realized the vehicle was missing, they notified police.
Mukdahan provincial governor Worayan Bunnarat said the case should serve as a wide‑ranging warning for road safety in Thailand and emphasize the importance of parents’ vigilance.
"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," he said. "I think everyone involved, especially parents, needs to help, because no one wants something like this to happen."
