Locals are deeply saddened and have prepared the venue for the funeral ceremony of "Phra Surasak Pinlaor," a developer monk who died after being struck by a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy. The abbot revealed that throughout his monastic residence, he used his skills in craftsmanship to restore the temple and never refused anyone who asked for help.
Regarding the accident on the Mukdahan–Don Tan road in Sri Bun Rueang subdistrict, Mueang district, Mukdahan province, where an 11-year-old boy drove a pickup truck that hit a group of monks on pilgrimage, resulting in the deaths of 10 monks and injuries to many others, authorities are currently investigating and proceeding with legal actions.
On 4 July 2026, reporters visited the sermon hall of Wat Nikhom Khanaram in Waeng subdistrict, Phon Thong district, Roi Et province, where monks, novices, temple assistants, and locals were diligently preparing the venue to hold the funeral ceremony for "Phra Surasak Pinlaor," a propagation and developer monk who died in the accident. The atmosphere was filled with deep sorrow as Phra Surasak was respected and loved by the monastic community and villagers for his lifelong dedication to temple construction and development.
At 3:00 p.m., the funeral ceremony will be held at the sermon hall, presided over by Phra Kru Suwan Photaphiban as the monastic chair, with many relatives and Buddhist devotees attending to pay their respects and bid farewell to the departed.
Phra Kru Nikhom Khananukoon (Khamson Kittiyano), abbot of Wat Nikhom Khanaram and head of Waeng subdistrict's monastic community, revealed that Phra Surasak was a highly selfless developer monk. Before ordination, he worked as a metalworker and, after ordination, applied his craftsmanship skills to build and restore various temple structures, including bell towers, funeral pavilions, and other buildings over more than four rainy seasons. He never refused anyone who requested help and willingly traveled to assist whenever needed.
The abbot further disclosed that before departing to join a pilgrimage with monks from Ubon Ratchathani province, Phra Surasak came to pay his respects and say goodbye, which no one expected to be their last meeting. His passing is a significant loss to the monastic community, as he was not only a well-practiced and virtuous monk but also someone who continuously used his skills to benefit Buddhism and society.
Relatives have brought Phra Surasak’s remains back to Wat Nikhom Khanaram, his former residence and birthplace temple, to allow Buddhist devotees to pay their last respects.
This incident has deeply shocked society and serves as an important reminder to supervise minors and prevent those who are not yet permitted or ready from driving vehicles on public roads, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and irreversible losses.