Tragedy in Thailand: 11-year-old driver kills at least 8 monks in pickup truck crash

A tragic incident unfolded in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, July 2, 2026, when an 11-year-old boy, driving his parents' pickup truck without authorization, collided with a group of Buddhist monks undertaking a pilgrimage. The collision, which occurred in Mukdahan province, tragically resulted in the deaths of nine monks.

The accident happened as a group of 35 monks were on a 260-kilometer walk. In addition to the fatalities, thirteen other individuals sustained injuries, with several reportedly in critical condition. Five monks died at the scene, and four more later succumbed to their injuries in a hospital. Footage from security cameras reportedly showed the monks walking in a single file along the road before the truck swerved and struck them.

Authorities have taken the young driver into custody, and a thorough investigation is currently underway to ascertain the precise cause of the crash. Police officials are also engaging with the boy's parents to determine responsibility for his care as part of the ongoing legal process.