Eight Buddhist monks were killed and more than 20 others injured after an 11-year-old boy driving his parents' pickup truck ploughed into a religious procession in north-eastern Thailand, police said.

The group of 35 monks and five lay followers had been walking along a road in Mukdahan Province during a pilgrimage when the crash happened.

Authorities said five monks died at the scene, while three others later died in hospital from their injuries.

Police said the boy had taken the pickup truck without his parents' permission before losing control and crashing into the procession.

Footage shared online showed saffron robes, personal belongings and debris scattered across the roadside alongside the heavily damaged vehicle.

Investigation underway

Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa said investigators had seized the truck for forensic examination as they worked to determine the exact cause of the crash.

"We've asked the child's parents to come in so we can determine who is responsible for the child's care, so we can proceed with the legal process," he said.

Police said the boy, who has special needs, remains in shock and has not yet been questioned as the investigation continues.

Mukdahan Hospital has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as several injured monks remain in a critical condition.

The tragedy has shocked Thailand, where Buddhism plays a central role in society and monks are widely revered.

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