Prime Minister Anutin and his delegation performed a water-pouring ritual for the seven forest monks who died at Ban Nam Khun Temple in Ubon Ratchathani. They expressed their condolences and concern for the relatives and provided financial assistance. The families were grief-stricken, not expecting this to be a final farewell.
At 15:45 on 4 July 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, along with Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture; Ms. Traisuli Traisorakul, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Nan Boonthida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society; and Members of Parliament from Ubon Ratchathani representing the Bhumjaithai Party, traveled to take part in the water-pouring ceremony for seven forest monks at the sermon hall of Ban Nam Khun Temple, Ta Khao Subdistrict, Nam Khun District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
The seven monks included Phra Yothin Wannasri, Phra Ratchata Thongburan, Phra Nikom Angkhab, Phra Sakda Sila, Phra Samruay Rawang, Phra Chaison Nantasings, and Phra Yut Phongwiset, who died during a pilgrimage walk after being struck by a pickup truck. The incident occurred near Ban Na Sin Nuan, Don Tan District, Mukdahan Province on 2 July. The event was held to express condolences and included the presentation of wreaths, conversations expressing concern for the relatives, and the provision of financial aid. Mr. Narong Thepsena, Governor of Ubon Ratchathani, welcomed the delegation. The atmosphere was mournful, with light rain falling throughout.
After completing the ceremony inside the sermon hall, Prime Minister Anutin met with local residents gathered in the tent. Most of those present were from Nam Khun and Nam Yuen districts, areas affected by unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border. They urged the Prime Minister not to reopen the border checkpoint, as cassava prices were favorable. They also requested that he visit Chong An Ma at Nam Yuen District, which he agreed to before departing. The Prime Minister spent about 30 minutes at Ban Nam Khun Temple.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Malee Srimangkala, 52, sister of Phra Samruay Rawang, 44, one of the deceased monks, revealed that Phra Samruay had been ordained for nine vassas and resided at Phrai Boon Woraram Temple, Phrai Boon Subdistrict, Nam Khun District. Before the tragic incident, Phra Samruay had called to say, "I am going on a pilgrimage walk, it will be a long journey. We won't meet again for a long time." She did not expect this to be a final farewell. She expressed deep sorrow over the incident and questioned why guardians do not take proper care of children, urging that guardians share responsibility since children are under their care. Especially for special needs children, strict supervision is necessary to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Mr. Chayathorn Thongburan, also known as Oi Sangsin, a singer from Ubon Ratchathani with the nickname "Parade King," and son of Phra Ratchata Thongburan, 50, one of the deceased monks, shared his thoughts on the incident. He said he has not yet been contacted by or met with the opposing party but is willing to discuss and hear their perspective to clarify the situation. He noted that the case involves sensitive legal issues concerning child protection. He also advised guardians to carefully consider children's maturity, emphasizing that if children are not ready or mature enough, they should not be trained to operate vehicles to prevent further tragedies.
