In an early morning incident, a car struck a group of monks as they walk along the road, near Wat Hong Kuha in Khlong Narai Subdistrict on Sukhumvit Road, Chanthaburi. One monk was fatally injured, while two others sustained moderate injuries.

 

The incident occurred around 07:40 on November 10, as the monks were walking along the roadside in a single line. A silver Isuzu SUV, driven by a father hurriedly taking his daughter to school, reportedly lost control and collided with the monks. Sawang Katanyu Rescue Service responded to the scene and found one monk critically injured, later identified as 26-year-old Phra Panat, who succumbed to his injuries after resuscitation attempts.

 

The injured monks were identified as Phra Khru Prachot Rattanasunthorn, the abbot of Wat Khok Yang in Buriram and district chief monk, and Luang Ta Chan, a resident monk. Both were treated on-site by rescue teams and subsequently transported to Phra Pokklao Hospital.

 

The driver, in a state of shock, immediately approached the monks to apologise. The car involved was found parked about 30 metres from the site, with front-end damage.

 

Eyewitnesses, including a nearby food vendor, described seeing the monks pass before hearing the loud impact of the collision. The monks were reportedly part of a larger group of 14 from Wat Khok Yang, on pilgrimage from Buriram to Chanthaburi, staying overnight at Wat Khom Bang.

 

The monks remaining uninjured were visibly shaken and later taken back to the temple. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and will take legal action as necessary.

 

Pictures from responders.

-- 2024-11-11

 

 

During my 18 years living in Thailand I have noticed that pedestrians have no ideas of safety on the roads.

 

In the UK we are introduced to the Highway Code whilst we are at junior school and are told all about safe walking.

 

On roads with the no pedestrian walkway you must walk facing the oncoming traffic so that you are aware of the vehicles and drivers are aware of you.

 

Here it is very rare to see any Thais walking facing the traffic, often not even in single file and maybe up to ten abreast.

 

This morning whilst at the Doctor's surgery I saw something that I found unusual, a car stopped opposite where I was sitting and the lady passenger undid her safety belt before getting out. It occurred to me that I couldn't ever remember seeing that before in Thailand. Except for passengers in my vehicle, where the rule is No Seat Belt - NO Ride!

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and will take legal action as necessary.
 

??? Um, reckless driving causing loss of control and death. I guess maybe they are waiting to see if there will be any brown envelopes coming before they decide to take legal action.