Stolen Truck Plows Into Monk Procession, Eight Dead
A stolen pickup truck struck a Buddhist monk procession on a road in Mukdahan Province on July 2, killing eight monks and injuring thirteen others in what investigators say was caused by a youth driver.
At noon on July 2, 2569, a vehicle rammed into monks conducting an alms-gathering procession on Ban Na Si Nuan Road in Muang District, Mukdahan Province, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Emergency responders, police, and rescue personnel rushed to the scene to provide first aid and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Initial investigation found five monks dead at the scene, with three additional fatalities occurring at hospitals, bringing the total death toll to eight. Thirteen others were seriously injured. A youth driving a stolen family vehicle caused the collision. Surviving monk Luang Pee Sompong recounted his experience: he heard an inner voice warning of danger while chanting and alerted other monks to move to the right side of the path. As a pickup truck approached at high speed, he managed to jump clear and escape, but the other eight monks in the procession were struck and thrown violently into the air.
