Locals collected 'wild honey elixir' sought after for its life-lengthening properties from a forest in Thailand.

Beekeeper Siam Sakunna and his friends entered the woods in Phayao province to gather jars of the liquid gold on February 5.

They had set up wooden hives for the wild bees to occupy and returned to extract their precious honey, which is believed to have numerous health benefits including prolonging people's lives.

Without any protective suits, the group handled the honeycombs swarming with buzzing bees. They harvested the amber honey and also munched on chunks of the edible beeswax as a snack.

Siam said: 'We raised the bees to preserve their population. We only collect the honey. The hives, larvae, and bees are left behind for further production and conservation.'

He added that the wild honey is different from the store-bought variety, as it is said to improve memory, intelligence, and overall health.

Each bottle of the elixir costs between 3,000 to 4,000 baht (around 90 to 120 USD).