Wild monkeys are treated to a 'birthday party' buffet of fruit and sweets in Thailand (with royalty free music).

Tables full of watermelons, bananas, candy, ice cream and juice were laid out throughout the day for the primates in in Lopburi, 140km (86 miles) north of Bangkok, on November 24.

Locals have been providing the annual feast, which they say is a birthday party, for more than a decade as a way of celebrating the creatures, which they believe are sacred and bring good luck to the area.

Footage shows picnic tables decked out with goodies in the ruins of the city's ancient Khmer temple, sparking chaotic scenes as the primates go wild for their lunch.

Monkeys grappled for the sweets, with larger creatures scaring away the smaller ones. Some monkeys even leapt onto the heads of spectators. One photographer had two animals balanced on his head after they knocked off his hat.

While several of the women found themselves with monkeys on their head pulling at their hair and tugging at their clothes.

The Lopburi Monkey Party has become an annual attraction for locals and tourists across the central province.

Buddhists believe that the monkey is a symbol of good luck and that by honouring them with a birthday party, they will receive good fortune in the year ahead.