WATCH: Gangs of monkeys fight in streets during coronavirus food shortage

The food shortage is linked to the ever spreading COVID-19. The monkeys would normally be fed by the thousands of tourists who pass through the area each day however that number has completely dropped as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The clash, caught on camera, is between two rival primate gangs who dwell in the city of Lopburi and who would usually feed off food given to them by passing tourists.

Hundred of monkeys can been seen racing from opposite sides towards a single monkey who is gripping the banana. A brawl ensues as the monkeys cry out of hunger.

Locals, who are no stranger to seeing the monkeys were said to be shocked by the ferocity they displayed in their attempt to feed themselves.

Sasaluk Rattanachai, an onlooker captured the scene with her cellphone from outside of the shop where she works. 'They looked more like wild dogs than monkeys. They went crazy for the single piece of food. I've never seen them this aggressive." she said. "I think the monkeys were very, very hungry. There's normally a lot of tourists here to feed the monkeys but now there are not as many, because of the coronavirus."

There are thousands of wild monkey who reside in the streets and on top of buildings in Lopburi. Many live within the city's ancient Buddhist temples. The gangs seemed to form themselves based on the monkeys that live in those temples and those who roam the streets. Their territories are separated by a train track and normally the two groups wouldn't cross paths but have travelled more than they usually would do to the food shortage.

Coronavirus has led to a significant drop in tourism around the country, down by 44 percent. Thailand's monkeys living in public parks in southern Thailand, such as Songkhla are typically fed by tourist as well, who predominantly visit from China or Malaysia.

Locals have stepped in to help the monkeys by giving them fresh watermelons and tomatoes.

So far, there have been 59 cases of the virus in the Thailand, resulting in one death.

Tourism is a large part of Thailand's GDP, accounting for 18 percent. The bulk of tourists are Chinese.