This is the dramatic moment a damaged dam collapsed in front of a Buddhist temple in central Thailand.

Footage shows a section of the structure sinking into the Chao Phraya River near the Wat Choeng Len temple in Nonthaburi province on June 9.

Panicked temple abbot Phra Khru Nonthakhun Piphat said the collapse occurred at around 5:30 pm after the monks had finished their daily activities.

He said: 'The dam has been cracked for a long time. I reported it to the Royal Irrigation Department and even submitted a letter last year, but no action was taken. I urge the department to inspect the site and make repairs as soon as possible since this is a path the monks use every day.'

Preeda Chueaphudee, chief executive of Tha-it Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, said he wanted the dam to effectively prevent floods in the future.

He said: 'The Royal Irrigation Department must look at this incident as an example that the dam must be built stronger. Many people are affected because the bridge is broken.'

Narong Ketkaew, assistant supervisor the Royal Irrigation Department, assured locals that the repairs would be arranged as soon as possible, adding the contractor responsible for the dam's construction will be held accountable for the collapse.