A Buddhist merit-making trip ended in tragedy on the morning of Friday, July 11, when a 75-year-old woman was fatally struck by a van driven by her own son in Udon Thani, Thailand.
The incident occurred along Ban Tard–Suksomboon Road in Mueang Udon Thani district, not far from Wat Pa Ban Tard temple, The Thaiger reported.
Mother Was Waiting to Give Alms
The victim, identified as Pathum Songwannam from Bangkok, had been standing by the roadside preparing to give alms to monks.
Her son, 47-year-old Nawee Songwannam, had just dropped her off along with his sister, Phon, after being unable to find parking due to large crowds gathered for Buddhist Lent (a three-month period from July to October when Theravada Buddhist monks engage in deep practice and reflection during the rainy season).
Based on police and family accounts, Pathum had already offered food to six monks before the crash happened.
Sudden Surge Killed Her Instantly
According to reports, Nawee had driven a short distance away to make a U-turn.
As he returned to pick his mother up, he allegedly stepped on the accelerator by mistake, causing the 11-seater van to lunge forward and hit her.
The vehicle then crashed into a tree by the road. Phon, who had been standing nearby, managed to dodge the van and was unharmed.
According to MGR Online, the family of eight had traveled from Samut Prakan for a short holiday and to make merit during the long Buddhist holiday.
Son Grieved at the Scene
Rescue workers and officers from Nonsung Police Station arrived to find Pathum lying lifeless on her back. Nawee, devastated, was seen crying and blaming himself repeatedly.
In an emotional statement to the media, he said he had wanted to bring his mother on a joyful holiday, but now had to take her lifeless body home.
Police Proceed with Charges Despite Family’s Grief
Officers from the Nonsung Police Station brought Pathum’s body to Udon Thani Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Although the family has not filed any complaint, police have charged Nawee with reckless driving causing death.
Under Thai law, the charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht (approx. S$7,898), or both.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
4-Year-Old Boy in Thailand Rescued After Video of Him Smoking Goes Viral
Man Arrested in Thailand for Robbing a Student to Fund His Travels
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