Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

This handout taken and released on July 2, 2026 by Ruamjai Mukdahan Rescue Foundation shows people gathering the belongings of Buddhist monks after a collision between their roadside procession and a pickup truck driven by an 11-year old, killing eight monks and injuring more than 20 others, in the northeastern Thai province of Mukdahan. (Photo by handout / Ruamjai Mukdahan Rescue Foundation / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / Ruamjai Mukdahan Rescue Foundation - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO ARCHIVE

Article (news)

Agence France-Presse

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783050455205Screen Shot 2026-07-03 at 11.47.20 AM.png" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">This handout taken and released on July 2, 2026 by Ruamjai Mukdahan Rescue Foundation shows people gathering the belongings of Buddhist monks after a collision between their roadside procession and a pickup truck driven by an 11-year old, killing eight monks and injuring more than 20 others, in the northeastern Thai province of Mukdahan. <em>Photo by handout / Ruamjai Mukdahan Rescue Foundation/AFP</em></span></span></span>BANGKOK, Thailand — The number of monks killed has risen to 10 after an 11-year-old boy drove a pickup truck into a Buddhist procession in Thailand, officials said Friday.</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/7/2/8-thai-monks-killed-after-11-year-old-boy-drives-truck-into-procession-police-1620">8 Thai monks killed after 11-year old boy drives truck into procession—police</a></div><p>Ten other people were still hospitalized after Thursday&#x27;s crash -- two in critical condition and eight with injuries -- according to the latest update from Mukdahan Hospital, in the northeast of the country.</p><p>A group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a roadside in Mukdahan province during a pilgrimage when a truck ploughed into them.</p><p>Police said it was driven by an 11-year-old who had taken his parents&#x27; vehicle without permission.</p><p>Five monks died at the scene, and another five died later in hospital.</p><p>Prayut Ruanthongkam, chief of Mukdahan City Police, told AFP on Friday the boy was unable to give a statement to police.</p><p>He had been referred to child welfare authorities for assessment, accompanied by his mother.</p><p>In Thailand, children under the age of 12 have no criminal liability.</p><p>Police were also taking witness testimony from surviving monks as part of the investigation, Prayut said.</p><p>Buddhist monks are highly venerated in Thailand, entrusted with preserving and passing on the Buddha&#x27;s teachings.</p><p>They often hold public processions and are widely seen receiving alms of goodwill from ordinary Thais.</p><p>A representative of Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom, a hilltop temple in Mukdahan, told AFP the temple had taken in surviving and recovering monks, along with other followers involved in the procession.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>© Agence France-Presse</strong></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q7W3K3xz5TM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BkFVoOKYKiM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The number of monks killed has risen to 10 after an 11-year-old boy drove a pickup truck into a Buddhist procession in Thailand, officials said Friday.</p>

The number of monks killed has risen to 10 after an 11-year-old boy drove a pickup truck into a Buddhist procession in Thailand, officials said Friday.

Death toll hits 10 in Thai monk procession crash

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

World

Death toll hits 10 in Thai monk procession crash

Agence France-Presse

Published July 03, 2026 11:51 AM PHT

Read More:

Bangkok

Thailand

accident

religion

Agence France-Presse

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.