Woman loses job after blaming monks for fatal pilgrimage crash

A firm has dismissed a woman who blamed Buddhist monks for the crash in which a boy driving a pickup truck ploughed into a group of monks on a pilgrimage in Mukdahan province, killing 10 and injuring more than 20 others.

Two monks remain in intensive care following the July 2 collision.

The woman wrote on her personal Facebook account that “The road is for vehicles, not for monks to walk on. Even if this child hadn't crashed today, next time it could be a drunk driver, someone with brake failure or someone who blacks out because of illness. Stop roadside pilgrimage walks."

In another post, she wrote: "If the monks hadn't been walking along the roadside, would there have been such heavy losses? Enough with roadside pilgrimage walks."

After her comments drew widespread criticism, she wrote: "I don't understand why you don't understand. Why are you taking the monks' side?"

The post triggered a backlash across social media, with many users accusing her of blaming the victims.

Numerous television channels and online news outlets reported on her comments, with most criticising her remarks.

Her employer, Bangkok-based Swan Career, issued a statement on Friday via its Facebook page apologising for the controversy and distancing itself from her remarks.

The company said it is aware of the comments posted on social media, which had caused concern and distress among customers, followers and members of the public.

It stressed that the posts reflected the individual's personal views and were not made on behalf of the company or consistent with its policies, values or business operations.

The company also said the woman is no longer employed by the firm, but declined to disclose further details, citing respect for her privacy and internal personnel matters.

Swan Career said it was committed to respectful, responsible and appropriate communication, in both the workplace and on social media, and recognises the impact such comments could have on customers and the public.

Thailand's Road Traffic Act permits pedestrians to walk along the road shoulder where no sidewalk is available and requires motorists to exercise due care to avoid striking them.

Video footage shows the monks walking in single file facing oncoming traffic, as required under Thai traffic regulations.