An 11-year-old boy stole his parents’ pickup truck before crashing into a group of monks on a pilgrimage in Mukdahan province on 2 July, leaving six monks dead and many others injured.
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Police from Muang Mukdahan Police Station responded at approximately 11:00 to the crash on a road near Ban Na Wiang Kae in Na Si Nuan subdistrict, Muang district, Mukdahan. A bronze-gold pickup truck bearing registration from Mukdahan struck a group of monks who were walking on a religious pilgrimage.
Five monks died at the scene, while seven others suffered serious injuries and a further 20 sustained minor injuries. Emergency responders transported the injured to Mukdahan Hospital and nearby hospitals, where one of the seriously injured monks later died, bringing the total death toll to six.
According to investigators, the boy’s grandmother, 72-year-old Thong Yoon, said her grandson, identified only as “A” to protect his identity, is an 11-year-old child with special needs. She said he had taken the pickup truck from the family home earlier that morning without permission, and she did not know where he intended to go.
The grandmother told police that she alerted officers after discovering the vehicle had been taken. Authorities attempted to intercept the pickup after reports that the boy had driven through the Na Kham Noi checkpoint while heading towards Mukdahan city.
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The vehicle later crashed into the group of monks at Ban Na Wiang Kae, causing multiple fatalities and injuries. Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision.
Authorities said they will question all those connected with the case before deciding on any legal action. The investigation is continuing to establish the full sequence of events and determine the appropriate legal procedures.
Caution video shows aftermath of crash
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 2 July 2026