Mukdahan: The family of a Buddhist monk, who was tragically killed in a car accident caused by an 11-year-old driving a pickup truck, has mourned the loss of his spirit. Actress "Oi Saengsilp" was shocked by the news, revealing that her first call upon waking was to hear of her father's passing.
According to Thai News Agency, the young boy drove a pickup truck from his home, going against the flow of traffic. He sped through a checkpoint at Ban Na Kham Noi and violently collided with a group of monks walking along Highway 2034. The incident occurred 13 kilometers from where the boy started his journey. The crash resulted in the deaths of five monks at the scene, with five more succumbing to their injuries at the hospital. Most recently, Phra Sakorn Klangsoongnern passed away, bringing the total fatalities to ten. Many remain injured, including Phra Somkiat, who is in critical condition and has been transferred to Sappasitprasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani Province for specialized care.
From overnight until this morning at Mukdahan Hospital, families of the deceased monks have been arriving to claim their loved ones' bodies for religious ceremonies. They brought flowers, incense, and candles to perform rituals to invite the spirits back to the accident site, according to their beliefs. Among them was Ooy Saengsilp Thinubon, a well-known singer from Ubon Ratchathani, who participated in the ritual as the deceased monk, Rachata Thongburan, was his father. Ooy Saengsilp expressed his deep shock and sorrow upon hearing the news of his father's death.
Mr. Boonthom Chailert, the older brother of Phra Khamsing, another victim of the accident, shared his grief, recounting how he had just seen his younger brother off on his pilgrimage, never expecting to receive him back in such a tragic state. The bodies of the monks were transported to their respective hometowns for funeral rites: six to Ubon Ratchathani Province, two to Nakhon Ratchasima Province, one to Khon Kaen Province, and one to Yasothon Province.
Officials from the Provincial Justice Office have set up a desk to provide legal advice and information about compensation as per the law. The deceased monks' families will receive 500,000 baht each, while the injured are entitled to 80,000 baht each, plus actual medical expenses. The pickup truck involved, driven by the child, was only covered by compulsory insurance, with a maximum payout of 20 million baht per incident.
The compensation process will follow the insurance company's terms and the results of the official investigation. The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) confirmed that the pickup truck was insured under mandatory coverage effective until March 6, 2027. No voluntary insurance was found. The maximum insurance coverage of 20 million baht is divided into compulsory and voluntary insurance categories, effective from January 1, 2026, for new policies.
In summary, the insurance coverage for both mandatory and voluntary policies has been increased to address major accidents, without any adjustments to premiums. The pickup truck driven by the 11-year-old is subject to mandatory insurance regulations.