This is the tragic moment a falling branch killed a pensioner sitting in a wheelchair under a tree in Thailand.

Ang Boonma, 88, was enjoying some fresh air under the shade of a large bodhi tree when a heavy branch fell and smashed onto his head at the Wat On Klang Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai province on June 23.

CCTV footage shows the dead log plunging from a height right on top of the old man, who was a volunteer at the religious building, enjoying the scenery.

It shattered into fragments upon hitting the ground, leaving an unconscious and heavily injured Boonma lying under a pile of leaves.

Rescue workers were called to the scene by monks. They administered CPR before rushing Boonma to the Mae On Hospital, where he soon succumbed to his injuries.

Police Captain Narin Innak of the Mae On Police Station said the hospital notified them of Boonma's death.

He said: 'The deceased relied on a wheelchair for mobility. He was known for volunteering at the temple

The temple abbot and residents have given financial donations to Boonma's family to help pay for his funeral and cremation.

His family said they did not want any further action to be taken against the temple.

The abbot said: 'I have told the monks to check all of the trees and cut down any large branches to prevent them from falling down.

'The police investigated and checked the cameras. I am very sorry that the accident happened and have said prayers for the victim and his family.'