A religious devotee had his cheeks pierced with two giant bamboo umbrellas at an extreme festival in Thailand.

Atthapon Buaket had his face skewered as an act of worship during the annual Vegetarian Festival in Phuket on October 24.

Footage captured by visitor Natthaphong Jampa shows how the astonishing ritual mutilation started at the controversial event.

A group of men dressed in white surrounds Atthapon while a spiritual medium wearing plastic gloves stands beside him, waiting for a young boy to place a flower garland on the devotee.

The piercer then carefully positioned a large metal rod on Atthapon's cheek before piercing it through his face as part of a sacred horse trance ritual.

Others can be seen holding him steady to prevent him from moving.

In another clip, he can be seen parading through the streets carrying two white umbrellas pierced through his cheeks.

Dressed in a black ritual robe and white trousers, he supported the umbrellas with his hands while walking alongside other devotees.

Natthaphong said: 'The horse trance ritual is rooted in Chinese-Thai spiritual beliefs. Devotees known as ‘horses' are believed to be chosen by the gods to act as mediums, entering a trance-like state that allows them to perform acts of devotion without feeling pain.

'Both men and women may take on the role, which is regarded as a sacred duty. The ritual, often performed by the Ngio troupe, is believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings to the community, reflecting ancient Chinese traditions.'

The Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is an annual Taoist celebration observed across Thailand, most prominently in Phuket. The nine-day event in October sees devotees adopt a strict vegetarian or vegan diet to purify the body and mind.

Originating from Chinese religious customs, the festival has grown into a major cultural event that draws thousands of locals and tourists each year to witness its dramatic and deeply spiritual displays of faith.