Devotee pierces METAL CHAIN through his cheek for brutal Vegetarian Festival in Thailand

Thick metal rod pierces devotee's cheek in graphic 'purifying ritual' during Thai Vegetarian Festival

Shrines offer free meals 'to cleanse residents' stomachs' during annual Vegetarian Festival in Thailand

Vegetarian festival begins in Thailand with pole-raising ceremony

Devotees pray at the start of Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok, Thailand

Vendors sell meatless street food dishes at Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok Chinatown