In a shocking incident, eight Thai monks lost their lives and numerous others were injured when an 11-year-old child driving his family's pick-up truck collided with a Buddhist procession in Mukdahan, northeastern Thailand. The tragic accident took place on Thursday as the monks were undertaking a pilgrimage to Ubon Ratchathani province. The boy, reportedly without parental permission, had taken the vehicle before losing control and crashing into the religious group. The child is now in custody, with state child protection officers set to question him. The boy's parents have been requested to cooperate with authorities as they investigate the incident further. Buddhist monks are deeply revered in Thailand for their role in preserving and disseminating Buddha's teachings, often participating in public processions and receiving alms from ordinary Thais.