A travelling show that forces wild monkeys to do tricks to entertain shoppers has been slammed by animal rights groups.

Footage shows the primates dressed in skirts, t-shirts and bodysuits while they dangerously twirl sticks lit with fire.

Another monkey wearing an orange shirt and pants pretended to play a toy guitar while onlookers cheered at the inhumane display.

Some visitors applauded the show in Bangkok on April 24 while others were horrified by the apparent cruelty.

Onlooker Nattagan said: 'I have never seen anything like it before.'

Organisers of the travelling monkey show said they are booked to perform at various other malls in the coming months. They denied that their monkeys were abused.

Owner Khun Watchara said: 'All of my monkeys are treated well. They are pampered. They eat the best food and they exercise. People like the show because it's cute. Nobody has ever complained.'

Thailand faced controversy last year after the animal charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) exposed the abusive treatment of monkeys in the country.

Farmers reportedly used monkey labour to harvest coconuts, while other locals used leashes, collars, and other tools to train the intelligent animals to perform tricks for tourists. A number of leading supermarkets stopped using coconut milk from Thailand.

Responding to the footage of the monkeys in the shopping mall, PETA said the way the animals were 'humiliated' to entertain people doing their shopping.

Senior Vice President Jason Baker said: 'Monkeys used in this kind of show are stolen from their families as babies, and those who are bred in captivity have a high mortality rate. When they are not forced to don doll clothing and perform tricks for the public, they are kept constantly caged.

'PETA calls on the Thai public and tourists visiting the country to avoid all shows, displays, and attractions that involve animals. PETA also hopes the Thai government will enact laws and regulations that prohibit this type of abuse and exploitation.'