Thai medic breaks with tradition to rescue Buddhist monks from fatal accident scene

A daring move by a Thai nurse challenged long-standing Buddhist customs when she rushed to treat the victims of a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of 10 monks.

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In the northeastern region of Thailand, a tragic incident unfolded on Thursday when an 11-year-old boy, who had taken his parents' pickup truck without permission, crashed into a procession of 35 monks and five lay followers at high speed.

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Minutes after the accident, Wiwat Laonoi sprang into action, disregarding the traditional Buddhist taboo that prohibits women from touching monks and vice versa, to provide critical care to the injured.

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Wiwat recounted her experience, saying "People warned me, 'That's a monk!', but I responded, 'It doesn't matter, this person needs help now'," as she spoke to AFP about her courageous actions.

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A seasoned nurse with nearly four decades of experience, Wiwat described the accident as "massive" and unlike anything she had ever seen before, adding that she was the sole responder on the scene at the time.

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With no other medical responders present, Wiwat remained calm and composed, checking pulses, performing CPR, and coordinating with the local hospital as she swiftly moved from one victim to the next.

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The accident resulted in the immediate death of five monks at the scene on Thursday, while another five succumbed to their injuries later in the hospital.

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As of Friday, 10 other individuals were still hospitalized, with two in critical condition and eight others suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

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Wiwat's selfless actions were captured on film by Parichat Kochakueng, a hospital employee who was travelling with her at the time, and described the scene as "really scary, with many monks lying on the road".

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Originally from Mukdahan province, where the accident occurred, Wiwat plans to continue volunteering in communities with limited medical care after her retirement in September.

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Reflecting on her actions, Wiwat expressed her pride, saying "As a Thai and a nurse, I am proud to have used my knowledge to help my fellow human beings".