A drunk Buddhist monk was arrested over an axe rampage in Thailand.

Monk Prayoon, 49, scared locals when he was seen at a market carrying the sharp tool while drinking a can of beer in Kamphaeng Phet province on October 17.

The orange-robed Prayoon also reportedly danced around with the axe while appearing to talk to himself after he banged on car bonnets and windows, so worried residents called officers to check on him.

Footage shows the monk walking around the market before officers stop him on a roadside to take him to the police station. In a clip, the red-faced monk swayed the axe in the air while talking to himself.

District governor Pravit Patanag said: ‘We were requested to take supervision of a drunken monk who was causing problems along Phahonvothin Road in Bueng district. We sent officers in the area to find him.'

Officers detained the monk until he sobered up. However, officers later released him and returned to the temple.

Speaking to the police, monk Prayoon said he only drank alcohol ‘to reduce his blood sugar levels'.

He said: 'The reason I drank beer was because it helps me to lessen cholesterol and blood sugar since I have diabetes and high blood pressure.

'I smashed the car due to drunkenness and it helped me to reduce stress.'

A urine test that was done in the police station revealed that there were no drugs in his bloodstream.

The abbot from the Buddhist temple where monk Prayoon lives apologised and told police they prevent the monk from leaving the compound but he always finds a way to sneak out.

Governor Pravit Patanag said they will help ensure the monk was treated to prevent problems in the future.

He said: 'We shall proceed with hospitals to ensure that the ailing monk receives continuing treatment.'

Officers gave the monk a warning and let him go.