Terrified guests fled for their lives when a swarm of furious giant bees divebombed them during a Buddhist ceremony in Thailand.

The devotees were holding a monk ordination procession when a child's balloon reportedly floated up to the bee's nest at the Wat Bandai Ma temple in Nakhon Ratchasima, on May 3.

The inflatable struck the hive hanging from the ceiling, sending a cloud of frenzied insects toward the attendees.

Footage shows people covering their heads to take cover from the stinging bees as they escaped the temple hall. The dining area, where a feast was supposed to be held, was left empty following the attack.

Authorities said 30 people were stung across their bodies. Four suffered serious injuries, including Sa-ngad Thongsa-nga, 60, who was rushed to the Pakchongnana Hospital for breathing difficulties.

He was monitored in the intensive care unit and was discharged on May 5 after his oxygen levels stabilised.

He said: 'I was stung probably more than 100 times. I could barely breathe and I was scared I would not make it. I am just grateful to be alive.'

On March 20, six villagers injured in a similar bee attack at a temple in Ubon Ratchathani.

The locals had been buying groceries at the Wat Phasukram market when they were stung by the territorial insects. The panicked residents - some of them elderly and visually impaired - fled as hundreds of crazed bees swarmed the temple grounds.

Officials said the bees were enraged by the presence of another swarm already residing at the temple.