11-year-old driver in fatal Mukdahan diagnosed autistic

The 11-year-old driver involved in a horrific pickup truck crash that left 10 monks on a pilgrimage dead in Mukdahan province is registered as autistic, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) revealed on today.

Tuenjai Kongsombat, deputy permanent secretary of the MSDHS and the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that, because the driver is under the age of 12, he falls under the legal framework of the Child Protection Act of 2003. An initial review of his records confirmed that the child is officially registered as a Category 7 person with disabilities, which designates individuals with autism.

Following a preliminary meeting of a multidisciplinary team, authorities determined that the boy urgently requires welfare protection. He has been placed under the care of the ministry, where psychologists from the Department of Mental Health are currently evaluating his psychological state and providing support.

Tuenjai added that the ministry is actively coordinating with justice system officials regarding the legal proceedings, with a focus on addressing the needs of both the child and the victims.

The deputy permanent secretary also urged the public to refrain from sharing images or information regarding the child, his family or the incident on social media, to prevent further distress and to respect the privacy of all parties involved in the tragedy.