This is the dramatic moment a 100-year-old tree toppled over next to a Buddhist shrine following heavy rain in Thailand.

Devotees were praying at the religious monument beneath the Bodhi tree when it was suddenly uprooted, sending them running for safety in Pratunam Phra-in, Ayutthaya province, on August 22.

A resident said heavy rain had fallen that evening, shortly before he heard a loud bang which he mistook for a car crash.

There were no injuries or property damage reported.

Local authorities cleared away the uprooted tree that was still blocking the road the next day. They believe the downpour and the tree's age had caused it to collapse.

However, some residents believe the tree is inhabited by spirits - which is why they put the shine at the trunk.

They said the tree has been in the area for more than 100 years, leading to it being revered by the local Buddhist community.

Superstitious Thais often worship trees - particularly those that are several decades old. The Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, is one of the most sacred trees in Buddhism.