An 11-year-old boy secretly drove a pickup truck, lost control and crashed into a group of monks on foot, resulting in 10 deaths, sparking heated discussion among Thai netizens. The Thai Parliament Database (PRT) pointed out that according to Article 73 of the Thai Criminal Code, children aged 12 or below who are deemed to have committed a criminal offense will not be subject to criminal punishment. Instead, they will be provided with appropriate welfare and protection measures under the Child Protection Act.
According to Thai online media "Thaiger," after this incident, it triggered widespread debate among Thai netizens about legal responsibilities. The Thai Parliament Database made a post on Facebook on Thursday (2nd), outlining the potentially applicable legal provisions in Thailand, and specifically listed the following articles.
Under Article 73 of the Thai Criminal Code, children aged 12 or below who commit acts defined as criminal offenses will not be subject to criminal punishment. Investigators must hand over the child to officers under the jurisdiction of the Child Protection Act in order to arrange suitable welfare and protective measures.
Under Article 429 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, although minors are still required to bear responsibility for damages caused by their improper behavior, their parents or guardians bear joint liability unless they can prove that they have exercised reasonable care in supervising the child.
At present, Thai police are still investigating the specific details of the accident.
The 11-year-old boy involved told police on Thursday that her son had secretly driven away the family’s pickup truck without her knowledge.
The mother said that upon discovering this, she immediately called the police hotline for help, seeking for the police to intercept the pickup truck, but before it could be stopped, the vehicle had already crashed into the monks.
In addition, Mukdahan Provincial Police Chief, Major General Phairoj, stated that the child is still in an extremely shocked state and is not yet able to be questioned, so the investigation and collection of evidence will need some more time. Police stressed that all legal action will be conducted strictly in accordance with Thai legal procedures.