A thick metal rod skewered a devotee's cheek as he underwent a gruesome 'purifying ritual' during Thailand's Vegetarian Festival.

Graphic video shows the local keeping a straight face even as medical staff pushed the sharp object through his right cheek amid the festivities in Satun province on October 3.

Believers puncture their faces with sharp objects as it is said that the Chinese gods will protect them from serious harm and pain.

The colourful spectacles of self-mutilation are believed to purify their bodies and redirect misfortune away from their communities.

Aside from the gory parades, devotees also abstain from eating meat, meat products, and pungent vegetables like garlic and onion during the festival, believing the practice would purge impurities from the mind and soul.