Chanthaburi: A car lost control and struck a group of monks on pilgrimage in the Mueang District of Chanthaburi Province, resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries. This tragic incident unfolded this morning on Sukhumvit Road as the monks were collecting alms.
According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage captured a bronze-colored car losing control and hitting three monks at the rear of the group. The accident claimed the life of 26-year-old Phra Phanas and left Phra Khru Prachoti, the abbot of Wat Kok Yang, and Luang Ta Chan, a junior monk, with serious injuries. Both injured monks were promptly transported to the hospital.
Officers from the Chanthaburi City Police Station, alongside forensic experts and rescue volunteers from Sawang Katanyu, arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation. They discovered the car responsible for the accident parked approximately 30 meters from the site, with visible damage to its front end. The driver, accompanied by his young daughter, was found in a panic-stric
ken state, expressing remorse to the deceased monk.
Witnesses at the scene indicated that the monks had traveled from Wat Kok Yang in Prakhon Chai District of Buriram Province, having recently visited Rayong Province and stopping at Wat Khom Bang. On their alms round this morning, they were struck by the car traveling at high speed. Phra Phanas, who had been ordained for two years following his military discharge, was preparing to enter his third year as a monk.
Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the crash and will take appropriate legal action.