Rampaging wild monkeys are terrorising a town in Thailand again as tourists start to return to the country.

Thousands of unruly primates roam the streets and attack visitors in Lopburi around 90 miles north of the capital Bangkok.

They climb on people, steal their glasses, run across cars and feed on sugary treats that locals feed them as they believe the animals bring good luck to the area.

While the monkeys had been missing out on snacks from holidaymakers, they are now receiving hundreds of bananas and syrupy drinks every day. Travel restrictions have eased since November last year, allowing visitors to enter the country and visit the popular monkey destination.

Footage from January 12 shows the monkeys causing chaos as they scurry around the ancient city. Locals say there are even rival gangs that mark their territory - resulting in clashes when the animals meet.

In March 2020, the monkeys had an astonishing mass brawl over scraps of food. While in February last year, dozens of monkeys took over a school's swimming pool and rummaged through the bins in search of food.

Many congregate around an ancient Buddhist temple but they have also taken over a cinema - forcing the previous owner to move out and close the business.

Government officials have tried to control the population without success. In 2020, large numbers of monkeys were sterilised after their numbers spiralled out of control during the coronavirus lockdown, with well-meaning locals feeding them sugary drinks.

Environmental officer Narongporn Daudduem said the department has a long-term plan to build a sanctuary in another part of the city but plans are likely be met with resistance from some of the residents who don't want the monkeys living near them.