11-Yr-Old Rams Speeding Pickup Truck Into Buddhist Monks Procession, 10 Killed | Video

Last Updated:July 03, 2026, 21:43 IST

A group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a roadside in Mukdahan province during a pilgrimage when a truck ploughed into them.

At least 10 Buddhist monks were killed after an 11-year-old boy allegedly drove a pickup truck into a Buddhist pilgrimage procession in northeastern Thailand, triggering a major tragedy that has shocked the country.

The accident took place on Thursday in Mukdahan province, where a group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a roadside as part of a religious pilgrimage. According to police, the pickup truck suddenly ploughed into the procession, killing five monks on the spot. Five more later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Ten others remain hospitalised, including two in critical condition, according to Mukdahan Hospital.

Videos circulating on social media captured the horrifying moment the speeding pickup truck rammed into the procession, dragging several monks before coming to a halt.

Police said the vehicle was being driven by an 11-year-old boy who had allegedly taken his parents’ pickup truck without permission. Mukdahan City Police chief Prayut Ruanthongkam said the child was unable to provide a statement and has been referred to child welfare authorities for assessment in the presence of his mother.

Under Thai law, children below the age of 12 cannot be held criminally liable.

Authorities are recording statements from surviving monks and witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.

The tragedy also drew attention to the actions of a veteran nurse who ignored a long-standing Buddhist custom to save lives.

Wiwat Laonoi, a 61-year-old nurse with nearly four decades of experience, was the first person to reach the scene. Despite the traditional Buddhist practice that discourages physical contact between women and monks, she immediately began treating the injured.

“People told me, ‘Wait, that’s a monk!’, but I said it doesn’t matter, right now, this is a patient," she told AFP.

With no emergency responders initially at the scene, Wiwat checked victims’ pulses, performed CPR and coordinated rescue efforts until additional medical teams arrived.

Buddhist monks hold a deeply respected place in Thai society and are regarded as custodians of the Buddha’s teachings. Public processions and pilgrimages are common across the country, with monks often receiving alms and offerings from devotees.

The fatal crash has sparked grief across Thailand as authorities continue to investigate how the child gained access to the vehicle and the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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