An ancient cave near a Buddhist temple in Thailand has been damaged by tourists painting on the walls.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />Phra Apichai said: "The cave and everything that is inside has been here for thousands of years. That has been confirmed by scientists.<br /><br />"The cave has been open to the public to visit for almost a hundred years but only recently has it been damaged.<br /><br />Tour guide Satien Srikong, 44, said that the vandals not only damage to the cave but they hurt the feelings of residents.<br /><br />He said: "This place is our pride and by not respecting it means losing its historical value.<br /><br />"Tourism should be about visiting the place and admiring, not leaving your marks everywhere you go to preserve it."
