Death toll from pickup truck crash during religious procession in Thailand rises to 10

Ten Buddhist monks have died after a pickup truck, driven by an 11-year-old boy, crashed into a religious procession in Thailand's northeastern Mukdahan province. Authorities confirmed the updated death toll on Friday, with ten other individuals still receiving hospital treatment, including two in critical condition.

The incident occurred on Thursday when approximately 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along the roadside during a religious pilgrimage. The pickup truck collided with the group. Police reported that the 11-year-old driver had taken his parents' vehicle without their consent.

Five monks died at the scene, while the other five succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. According to Mukdahan City Police Chief Prayut Ruanthongkam, the child has not yet been able to provide a statement to the police. He has been referred to child welfare services for further assessment, accompanied by his mother.

Under Thai law, children under the age of 12 cannot be held criminally responsible. Police are also taking statements from surviving monks as part of their investigation. A representative from Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom, a temple in the Mukdahan area, stated that survivors and other participants in the procession are being cared for.

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The child has not yet been able to provide a statement to the police.