A peaceful Buddhist pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand ended in devastating tragedy after an 11-year-old boy allegedly drove a pickup truck into a procession of monks, leaving nine people ᴅᴇᴀᴅ and several others injured.

The incident occurred in Mukdahan province, where a group of 35 Buddhist monks had recently begun a traditional walking pilgrimage to the neighboring province of Ubon Ratchathani. According to Thai authorities, the procession had been underway for only about 30 minutes when the crash occurred.

Police said the 11-year-old boy allegedly took his parents’ pickup truck without permission before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into the line of monks walking along the roadside. Authorities have taken the child into custody, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Child protection officials are also involved because of the driver’s age.

Officials confirmed that nine monks died as a result of the collision, while more than a dozen others were injured. Several victims were transported to local hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition following the crash.

Security camera footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows the monks walking in single file along the roadside moments before the pickup truck veered off the road and struck the procession. Witnesses told police they saw the vehicle swerving shortly before the impact, though investigators have not yet determined what caused the boy to lose control.

The pilgrimage was part of a longstanding Buddhist tradition in which monks travel on foot between temples, relying on support from local communities along the way. Such journeys are regarded as important spiritual practices in Thailand, where Buddhism plays a central role in the country’s cultural and religious life.

The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief across Thailand, with many expressing condolences to the victims’ families and the religious community. Provincial officials have also emphasized the importance of road safety and parental responsibility as the investigation continues. Authorities are expected to examine how the child gained access to the vehicle and whether any additional legal responsibility may arise for the adults involved.

As investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash, officials are urging the public to wait for verified information rather than speculate about the cause. The focus remains on supporting the injured, ᴀssisting the families of those who lost their lives, and determining exactly how a sacred pilgrimage turned into one of the country’s ᴅᴇᴀᴅliest recent road tragedies.

Sources:

• ᴀssociated Press – 11-year-old driver crashes truck into Buddhist monks in Thailand, killing 10
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