Puppets fought in a bizarre boxing match during a festival in Thailand.

Footage shows the life-sized mannequins throwing punches with their limbs tied to a string that were controlled by locals in Surin province on May 4.

An old man wearing a bow tie even stood on the ring, hilariously playing referee between the two dolls. Excited festival-goers, mostly older men, watched from the foot of the mobile ring cheering for the puppets.

Local Atthaphon Chothong said: ‘The events leading to the festival are so much fun. I recommend everyone to visit.'

After the game, a man - equally bizarre as he wore black paint all over his face and body - went around the audience to gather donations after the show.

The Rocket Festival, or Boun Bang Fai, is a Buddhist celebration practised by the ethnic Lao people in northeastern Thailand bordering Laos. It highlights dance, music, and a competitive firing of homemade rockets.