11-Year-Old Evaluated After Truck Hits Buddhist Monks

On July 3, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded when a group of Buddhist monks walking in a dharma procession from Roi Phra Phutthbat Phumnorom Temple in Maha Sarakham Province was struck by a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy. The crash killed ten monks and injured several others near Ban Na Sinuan in Maha Sarakham's city district.

Police Colonel Phairot Thaipudan, commander of Maha Sarakham Provincial Police, revealed that the boy is registered as a person with autism (Type 7 disability) under Thailand's Persons with Disability Promotion and Quality of Life Development Act. He is under the care of Maha Sarakham's Social Development and Human Security Office. The boy is undergoing psychiatric assessment at Phra Sri Maharaj Phothidet Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani, a facility under the Department of Mental Health.

"Since the perpetrator is both a minor and a person with disability, the case must follow an interdisciplinary process," police stated. "We must wait for specialist doctors to assess whether the boy is ready for investigation. After receiving the evaluation, investigators will convene a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, social workers, prosecutors, the child's guardians, and relevant agencies to proceed according to law."

Chayathon Thongburan, known as singer Oy Saengsilp, a popular Isan country music artist from Ubon Ratchathani Province, came to receive the body of his father, Monk Ratchata Thongburan, who died in the incident. He stated that the family awaits police investigation results as details remain unclear. However, he personally believes those responsible should be held accountable and that legal action should be considered against the boy's parents if evidence permits, while offering support to all parties involved.