This is the bizarre moment two Buddhist monks started fighting during a memorial in Thailand.

The monks were holding a remembrance ceremony for the homeowner's late grandparents when one of them allegedly stood up and punched another monk at the family's house in Surat Thani province on March 21.

Footage shows the pair coming to blows, breaking tableware as they fought right before the morning meal.

The shocking display, which contradicts Buddhist beliefs opposing violence, stunned guests attending the merit-making ritual.

Other monks seated on the floor later intervened and separated the two.

The homeowner Sun Bunliang said: 'This occurred under my roof. I was forced to intervene when the monks resorted to violence. The sight left me and the other elderly monks in utter disbelief.'

Investigations found that the pair were from different temples, and allegedly had bad blood between them even before the ceremony.

Local media reported that the two monks were reportedly defrocked for causing disgrace to the Sangha council - the governing body of the Buddhist order in Thailand.