Elderly Monk Falls from Motorcycle Taxi and Dies in Bangkok

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

An elderly Buddhist monk passed away after falling from a motorcycle taxi while returning to his temple in Bangkok on the morning of 29 July.

The deceased, identified as Phra Vichai Watchayo (secular name: Vichai Noeikham), aged 70, resided at Wat Son Temple. The incident occurred near the entrance of Soi Rat Burana 41, in the Rat Burana district of Bangkok.

According to Pol. Sub-Lt. Natthaphong Thasri, an investigator from Rat Burana Police Station, the police were notified of the fatal crash by Rat Burana Hospital around 09:30.

The motorcycle taxi driver, identified only as Mr Phajon, recounted that at approximately 06:40, Phra Vichai had hailed him at the entrance to Soi Rat Burana 40, requesting to be taken to Wat Son. The monk sat on the back of the motorcycle in the traditional side-sitting posture commonly used by monks.

As they reached the entrance of Soi Rat Burana 41, Mr Phajon said he felt something was wrong and looked back to find that the monk had fallen backwards onto the road. He immediately stopped and called for emergency assistance. Phra Vichai was rushed to Rat Burana Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Police are coordinating with forensic medical staff to conduct a post-mortem examination. Investigators are also working with the local surveillance unit to review nearby CCTV footage in order to determine the precise cause of the accident.

Authorities have stated that further steps will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-30