An ancient cave near a Buddhist temple in Thailand has been damaged by tourists painting on the walls.

Angry monks have pleaded with local tour guides to keep their eyes on their guests after the cave in Trang province has been heavily damaged by vandalism.

The monks said on Wednesday afternoon (June 24) that they were saddened after they found scribblings on the walls, all in Thai writing from domestic visitors.

Phra Apichai said: "The cave and everything that is inside has been here for thousands of years. That has been confirmed by scientists.

"The cave has been open to the public to visit for almost a hundred years but only recently has it been damaged.

Tour guide Satien Srikong, 44, said that the vandals not only damage to the cave but they hurt the feelings of residents.

He said: "This place is our pride and by not respecting it means losing its historical value.

"Tourism should be about visiting the place and admiring, not leaving your marks everywhere you go to preserve it."