This is the moment troops of wild monkeys caused chaos as they fought over territory and mates in Thailand. 

Dozens of the aggressive primates attacked each other, battling for dominance in the scrap outside the Khao Pattawi temple in Uthai Thani province on December 2.

The temple grounds were transformed into a battlefield as the 'gang war' raged on, with frantic monks trying in vain to put an end to the fighting.

Footage shows the troops squaring off under the trees before a full-on scuffle erupted. Ear-piercing screeches filled the air while broom-wielding temple staff chased after the rowdy simians and attempted to break up the skirmishes.

Wat Khao Pathawi temple director Manit Srikham said: ‘There are two main monkey troops at the temple. One lives on top of the hill and the other lives at the base. 

'The groups fought each other so hard. I believe they were fighting for the females. I think they were more violent because they were hungry. 

'I remember shouting at the monkeys with other monks, but they just wouldn't stop fighting. We had sterilised the monkeys before, but their population was only reduced by around 10 to 15 percent.' 

The battle eventually stopped after around one hour, leaving countless monkeys injured .