Eight Buddhist Monks Killed When 11-Year-Old Drives Pickup Truck Into Their Procession in Thailand

Eight Buddhist monks have died and more than ten others were seriously injured in northeastern Thailand after an 11-year-old child drove a pickup truck into their procession.

The accident occurred around noon local time, according to Thai media. The monks were walking along the road when they were struck by the vehicle. Five of the monks died at the scene from their injuries.

Police believe the 11-year-old child took a pickup truck from a parent without permission and then crashed into the procession of monks.

The group of 35 monks was on a pilgrimage on foot from Mukdahan to Ubon Ratchathani, a journey of approximately 200 kilometers. They were walking along the roadside when the child lost control of the vehicle and plowed into them.

The surviving monks were rushed to nearby hospitals with severe injuries. Local authorities have taken the child into custody, and an investigation into the incident is underway.

The tragedy has shocked the local community, where Buddhist monks are deeply revered. Processions of monks walking along roads for religious pilgrimages are a common sight in rural Thailand, where many communities lack access to public transportation.

Thailand has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world, and accidents involving young or unlicensed drivers are not uncommon, particularly in rural areas where vehicle access and enforcement of traffic laws can be limited.