A former Buddhist monk who survived a road accident which killed three others has raised a £250,000 damages action.

Sangthong Phensrisai was a front seat passenger in a car which was travelling to Edinburgh when driver Anong Yukitan lost control.

The three rear passengers, all of whom were monks, died in the crash near Fala Dam, Pathhead, on Christmas Eve in 2012.

Mr Phensrisai, 50, who lives in Edinburgh, has claimed the driver’s negligence has left him unable to meditate while sitting down.

He told a hearing at the Court of Session on Tuesday that came round in hospital to be told that the accident had happened.

"I was unconscious. I just woke up in hospital. It was like the whole body fell apart," he said.

He suffered head injuries and fractures to his ribs, his sternum and back.

Mr Phensrisai is claiming that he suffered loss, injury and damage through Ms Yukitan’s fault and negligence.

It was claimed that as she approached a corner on the A68 she lost control of the Nissan Note, which flipped onto its side and went into the path of oncoming traffic. It was then hit on the roof by another car.

She has admitted liability in the damages case, however the amount of compensation to be awarded to the former mis in dispute.

In the action it is said that Mr Phensrisai was "shocked and saddened" by the news of the deaths of the three monks who died at the scene of the accident.

He claims in the action that following the crash his studies for a PhD degree were disrupted and he lost earnings as a translator and interpreter and for work in the prison service.

Mr Phensrisai continues to suffer pain in his back and chest and is unable to bow and do sitting meditation.

It is alleged that he is “compromised” in the job market and will have difficulty undertaking work involving prolonged sitting, standing, walking, bending or heavy lifting.

The Thai-born British resident told the court that he had been a Buddhist monk for about 25 years before deciding to pursue further academic studies.

He said: "It was like my big goal in life."

The meditation teacher had worked in prisons in England and said one of the positions was sitting cross-legged and upright.

Lawyers acting for the car driver maintain that the sum sued for in the action is excessive.

The hearing before Lord Uist continues.