Seven Monks Killed as Boy Crashes Stolen Truck
Seven monks killed when an 11-year-old boy stole his father's pickup truck and crashed into a Buddhist procession in Maha Sarakham province are being honored at merit-making ceremonies in Ubon Ratchathani, with the incident leaving 10 dead
Seven monks are being honored at Baan Nam Khun temple in Nam Khun district, Ubon Ratchathani province, following a deadly collision in Maha Sarakham province. An 11-year-old boy stole his father's pickup truck and drove it into a Buddhist procession, resulting in 10 deaths and 10 injuries. On May 3, 2026, officials transferred the remains of seven deceased monks to the temple for merit-making ceremonies, with provincial Buddhist leaders guiding the procession according to each monk's seniority.
Oey Seangsit, a renowned singer and son of Phra Bhikkhu Rochat Thongburan, one of the deceased monks, shared that his last conversation with his father was about sound mixing, as his father enjoyed delivering sermons to relatives. He expressed deep sorrow, saying he cannot bear to watch accident footage that has circulated online and has cried until tears no longer come.
The seven deceased monks are: 1) Phra Bhikkhu Yothin Vannasuree (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), 2) Phra Bhikkhu Rochat Thongburan (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), 3) Phra Bhikkhu Nikkhom Angkhap (Chumphon), 4) Phra Bhikkhu Sakda Sila (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), 5) Phra Bhikkhu Samuay Rawang (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), 6) Phra Bhikkhu Chaisoarn Nanthasingh (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), and 7) Phra Bhikkhu Sakorn Klangsungnern (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani).
Buddhist monks have already performed funeral rites. Royal water blessing ceremonies are scheduled for May 4 at 4 p.m., with the Ubon Ratchathani provincial governor presiding.
