Chiang mai: A female vendor on a motorcycle collided with a monk collecting alms in Chiang Mai city, resulting in injuries to both individuals. The incident marks another accident involving a monk being hit by a vehicle while collecting alms, highlighting a concerning trend in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage revealed that the collision occurred on Wualai Road, involving a 58-year-old female vendor and a 60-year-old monk. The footage shows the monk crossing from the left side when the motorcycle hit him, causing both parties to fall and lose consciousness. The monk's alms bowl was scattered across the road.
A fellow monk, who was also collecting alms, witnessed the accident and assisted the injured monk to the sidewalk. The injured monk sustained a head injury and abrasions, while the female vendor suffered mouth injuries, missing teeth, and knee abrasions. A good Samaritan helped the vendor to the sidewalk and called for an ambulance. Both were taken to the hospital and are now in stable condition.
Pol. Col. Prachya Thitla, Superintendent of Chiang Mai City Police Station, stated that initial investigations indicate the monk may have crossed the road suddenly, catching the motorcyclist off guard. Authorities plan to question both parties once they recover to ensure a fair investigation. Police urge pedestrians to exercise caution when crossing roads and remind drivers to maintain vigilance to prevent such incidents.
This accident follows a prior incident on May 21st in San Pa Tong District, where a monk named Phra Kim was fatally injured after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing the road after collecting alms. The recurring nature of these accidents underscores the need for increased road safety awareness for both pedestrians and drivers.