11-year-old boy's car theft leads to 10 monks' deaths in Thailand

In Thailand's northeastern Mukdahan province, a tragic incident occurred yesterday, July 2nd, when an 11-year-old boy, without his parents' knowledge, stole a pickup truck and crashed into a group of monks who were on a walking pilgrimage. The accident, which occurred from behind at high speed, has now resulted in the deaths of 10 monks. The group of 35 monks and five laypeople were on a walking pilgrimage from Mukdahan province to Ubon Ratchathani province in northeastern Thailand when they were struck by the vehicle. The severe traffic accident took place about 30 minutes after the monks began their journey, at a location beside the Mukdahan-Don Tan highway. Five monks died instantly at the scene, while the remaining five succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical treatment at the hospital. The 11-year-old Thai boy, who is reportedly considered to have an intellectual disability, stole his parents' pickup truck and drove it without their permission, leading to the collision with the monks. His parents had contacted the police station to report the car theft and requested assistance in stopping the vehicle. The boy has since been taken to the police station for questioning. In response to this incident, the "Walk for Peace" monastic group, which has conducted peace walks in the United States, issued a letter expressing profound sorrow for the monks who passed away during their pilgrimage. Among the monks injured in the accident, those with severe injuries are under close observation and treatment. One monk in critical condition has been transferred from Mukdahan Hospital to the larger Ubon Ratchathani Hospital. The police are continuing their investigation into the traffic accident and are working to provide assistance and compensation to those affected. Source – Khaosod English