But a terrifying incident has proved that cuddling the giant animals is not always safe - even for the men who run the hugely popular centre.

An abbot of the temple was left with a broken arm and blood pouring from his face after being mauled by one of the 150 tigers - which animal rights campaigners argue should not be kept by the monks.

His doctor has said the big cat 'didn't intend' to attack him - but the incident will be alarming to young travellers hoping to capture the perfect Facebook profile picture hugging one of the animals.

On Saturday the monk, abbot Luang Ta Jan, 64, was admitted into intensive care at Thanakarn Hospital with injuries including a bleeding facial wound as well a broken arm and tooth.

His doctor and hospital director Sahathep Sawarngnet dismissed reports the tiger pounced on its owner and insisted the attack was accidental, triggered when Luang Ta Jan, who was pulling the tiger along by a lead, slipped and fell.

He added: 'It didn't intend to attack him at all, only that its nail quickly scratched him when he fell, like a cat.

'If it was a real attack, his face would have been torn apart - but there was only a scratching line from his forehead to his lips,' said the doctor, adding that the abbot broke his tooth and arm when he fell onto the ground.

According to Sahathep the tiger weighed 300 kilograms (660 lbs) and had been at the temple for seven years.

The abbot was now recovering and would likely be discharged later this week, the doctor told AFP, adding that he was only ever admitted to intensive care as a precaution due to his previous heart problems, appearing to downplay the severity of his injuries.

-Daily mail