Villagers in Thailand share buffet with 1000's of monkeys

The banquet takes place every year outside the Buddhist shrine ruins of Phra Prang Sam Yot temple, also known as the Temple of Three Towers, in the city center.

Offering fruits, sweets, soft drinks and crackers, Thais in the small town have been holding an annual festival for the nearly 2,000 semi-wild macacque monkeys who live in their midst, since 1989.

The idea came from a local businessman who decided it would be a good idea to thank the monkeys for their role in drawing tourists.

The festival is held at the end of every November outside the temple, where monkeys normally congregate daily to groom each other and frolic around.

The monkeys, seemingly quite accustomed to city living, have also developed a reputation for making off with sunglasses, hats and even wallets from unsuspecting bystanders.

Although sometimes seen as pests, their presence is credited with helping the town draw additional tourists to its historical landmarks from the 17th century, when it served as a summer retreat for Thai King Narai.