Thousands of wild monkeys in a park in rural Thailand have been left struggling to find food without tourists to feed them.

The primates were once given snacks by visitors to the 320-hectare forest in Amnat Charoen province, Thailand, but the Covid-19 pandemic has seen tourism dwindle. The current dry season which started in January and high temperatures beyond 30C most days has added to the pressure.

Animal feeding programs were done in Buddhist temples near their habitat but the supplies were limited and could not provide for the entire population as there were reportedly around 2,000 to 3,00 macaques in the area.

Now, locals who felt sorry for the monkeys sought help from authorities for support and donation. Signages were also installed near roads for motorists to slow down as the starving monkeys would often be hit by passing cars.

Animal lover Sagneam Saipama, 73, said: 'We saw how much struggle the monkeys were having. We hope someone could help us.'

Local leader Chamras Kaiyasit said: 'With help from authorities, we could attract tourists here again. Our place is beautiful and it could be a great eco-tourism area.'

Thailand had been battling to control their surging monkey population especially when the pandemic started two years ago.

The monkeys were used to be fed with high-carb snacks and sugary drinks by visiting tourists until travel and business restrictions were imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.