Thai nurse defies Buddhist custom to save monks in deadly crash

A nurse in Thailand has been lauded for her quick thinking and compassionate actions after she set aside religious customs to provide life-saving aid to monks involved in a devastating road accident. The incident occurred on July 2 when an 11-year-old boy, driving a stolen pickup truck, collided with a procession of 35 monks and five lay followers in northeastern Thailand.

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People told me, ‘Wait, that’s a monk!’, but I said it doesn’t matter, right now, this is a patient.

Wiwat Laonoi, a nurse with nearly four decades of experience, was the first responder on the scene. Despite the Buddhist taboo that prohibits women from touching monks, she immediately began treating the injured. "People told me, 'Wait, that's a monk!', but I said it doesn't matter, right now, this is a patient," she told AFP.

The accident was described as "massive" by Wiwat, who had to remain clear-headed amidst the chaos. She checked pulses, administered CPR, and coordinated with the local hospital, moving between victims. Five monks died at the scene, and another five succumbed to their injuries later in the hospital. Ten other individuals remained hospitalized, with two in critical condition.

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No other responders (had) arrived yet, it was just me.

Wiwat, who is from the affected Mukdahan province, expressed her pride in being able to help her fellow citizens. "As a Thai, as a nurse, I'm very proud, I got to use what I know to help my fellow human beings," she said. She plans to continue volunteering in communities with limited medical care after her retirement in September.

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As a Thai, as a nurse, I’m very proud, I got to use what I know to help my fellow human beings.