This is the moment a giant Buddha head fell from a crane while being moved for repairs at a temple.

The 36ft golden statue was decapitated after a thunderstorm battered the Wat Cha Mee Phutthowat temple in Prachinburi in eastern Thailand, on May 1.

The roof of the building collapsed onto the religious sculpture, severing the head from its body.

Footage shows workers moving the destroyed structure to the ground using a crane on May 6. However, the sling snapped, sending it plummeting 33ft.

Clearing operations at the temple were ongoing.

Religious leaders said devotees were saddened as they often prayed at the revered Buddha image called Luang Pho Phutthasothon.

Acting temple abbot Phra Boonsom Pannapho said: 'The temple plans to build a new statue of Luang Pho Phutthasothon at the original site, so devotees may continue to stop by and pay their respects. We are currently in the process of acquiring the new statue.'

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are nearing the start of their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms. The rudimentary infrastructure often struggles with the deluge, leading to widespread flash floods.