A Buddhist monk ploughed into eight vehicles in a car park when he allegedly fainted at the wheel while driving.

Renowned temple abbot Phra Kru Putthabot Jetiyarak, also known as Kruba Pornchai Piyawanno, 56, was reversing his silver Toyota pick-up truck when he 'suddenly felt dizzy' in Chiang Mai province, Thailand.

The fainting spell reportedly left him unable to move his foot from the accelerator pedal, leading to the pile-up.

Chang Phuak district police officers arrived at the scene after receiving a report at 8 am on May 29.

They found eight damaged vehicles, including a wrecked sedan and two crushed motorcycles. Next to the wreckage was the shaken abbott, who suffered minor injuries.

Cops tested him for alcohol but found no traces in his bloodstream.

Phra Kru Putthabot said: 'I was visiting my younger brother residing in the village when the accident happened.

'While reversing the truck, I suddenly felt dizzy. I couldn't move my legs at all.'

He blamed an 'underlying health condition' for losing control.

The monk added that there was no one else to drive him as the other disciples were busy with an upcoming ceremony.

Phra Kru Putthabot has agreed to recompense the vehicle owners for the damage.