This is the chaotic moment hundreds of startled monkeys scattered when they were frightened by fireworks.

The primates live among the ruins of an ancient Buddhist temple in Lopburi, Thailand, where a festival was held on Sunday (November 29).

Even though the critters are aggressive to people - climbing over cars and stealing food - they were terrified by the pyrotechnics.

Spectators had to leap out of the way as the monkeys sprinted away from the loud bangs and bright explosions.

Onlooker Chokchai Panumas said: ''The monkeys here are normally the most aggressive in the country. But they become like little babies when the fireworks happen.''

The primates are normally well-fed by tourists visiting the town of Lopburi, around 150km north of the capital Bangkok.

However, holidaymakers have been non-existent due to the coronavirus travel restrictions and the monkeys have been seen fighting over scraps of food.

Officials prepared thousands of sugary snacks including cakes, jelly fruit and syrup juice drinks for the monkeys followed by the fireworks display.

The annual event has become known as the 'monkey birthday party', 'monkey picnic' or 'monkey buffet'. It is held in Lopburi, which has a large population of wild monkeys that roam freely through the town centre.

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.

The area has become notorious for monkeys climbing on cars, invading homes and shops, stealing food and even attacking people.

Residents believe that the monkeys bring good luck to the town and they treat them with food, which is seen as a good deed in the Buddhist religion, which is prevalent throughout Thailand.