Bees and wasps built massive nests inside a Buddhist temple in Thailand.

More than 20 chunks of wax shelters were found hanging on the ceiling and beams of the religious building in Wat Pracha Rat Bamrung temple in Trang province.

Monks said the creatures appeared three months ago and never bit them, even after they noticed the elaborate network of nests had grown.

Footage shows the nests swarming with insects as monks and temple-goers prayed below on February 4.

The temple's abbot Phra Prapart Sikkakit said: ‘I have never seen such a large number of bees and wasps before. These started as small nests.

‘We believe their home was destroyed in the forest and found a safe place at the temple. We are happy to welcome them.'

As the insects didn't harm anyone, the Buddhist monk added they ignored the creatures but they were fascinated when the nests flourished.

He said: ‘The small hives grew bigger. We did not let anyone collect their honey.'

Now, even the locals helped the monks protect the creatures that are like ‘lucky charms.'

A devotee who worships at the temple said: ‘When someone is burning trash, the bees and wasps would become agitated but they never hurt anyone. We respect that and wanted to help keep them safe. They are like the lucky charm of our village.'