Buddhist monks gave out lucky charms to protect their religious followers from the coronavirus.

Phisutthi Rattanaphon, the abbot at Wat Theraplai temple, Suphan Buri, central Thailand, handed out the orange holy papers which had been blessed to visitors for free, on Monday morning (March 23).

Monk Phisutthi said they put spells on the letters along with pictures of holy spirits that will keep worshipers safe from the coronavirus.

He said: "We have been giving away the holy amulets for the Buddhist devotees for them to be spiritually protected and be safe from the virus.

"Moreover, they can count on the holy spirit in their minds. I wish they would be less stressed about the news and concentrate on living their lives in healthy ways."

Monks said that a ''magical'' letter is printed with pictures of holy Buddhist spirits and spells.

The abbot Phisutthi added that the temple welcomes all visitors who want to take the holy papers, but before enter the gate, they have to do a temperature check. 

He said: "Worshipers will not only be given the spiritual letters, they will also get free surgical masks. All the temple staff are paying attention to hygiene.''