This is the terrifying moment tourists ran for cover as a sudden storm ripped through a Thai temple.

Holidaymakers were exploring the open grounds of the Buddhist landmark when violent gusts struck the area in Bangkok, Thailand on June 29.

Footage shows visitors dashing for safety as large canopies shook violently before being lifted into the air like parachutes.

A 20ft (6m) lamp post toppled over when the wind battered the tents, sending debris flying across the path.

Visitor Tunaa said: ‘We had just finished praying when it happened. It was my first time there, and something scary like that already happened.'

She initially took shelter at the entrance of one of the buildings, but later moved to the main prayer hall, which had a roof to escape the worsening weather.

From inside, they watched trees shake under the force of the wind and heavy rain hammer the structure above.

No one was hurt but the sudden storm caused damage to a lamp post, some parts of the temple wall, and several uprooted trees.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are at 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.