Buddhist Monk Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle While Returning from Alms Round
A Buddhist monk from Chiang Mai died from injuries sustained when a Toyota struck him while he returned from his morning alms round in San Pa Tong District; the driver tested positive for alcohol.
On May 22, 2569 (2026), it was reported that Luang Por Kim from Wat Nam Bo Luang in San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai, passed away at Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital while undergoing skull surgery to treat his injuries. He died at 2:00 PM on May 21 after his injuries proved fatal. The incident occurred on the morning of May 21 when Luang Por Kim was walking back to his temple after his alms round. As he crossed the road in front of the water station in San Pa Tong District, a Toyota vehicle traveling from downtown Chiang Mai struck him with great force, throwing him approximately 50 meters. He suffered critical injuries witnessed by nearby residents. Rescue personnel from Nam Bo Luang Sub-district Administrative Organization transported him to San Pa Tong Hospital, and due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital. The driver was detained by police and tested for alcohol, which showed a blood alcohol level of 20 milligrams per cent. It is believed the driver may have been experiencing residual intoxication and claimed he did not see the monk at the time of impact.
