This is the terrifying moment a whirlpool ripped across the surface of the sea - like a huge sea creature swimming towards the shore.

Footage shows the swirling weather phenomenon approaching the rocky part of the shore in Surat Thani province on November 7.

The vortex of gusty wind and water even touched the phone of Chopen Waluvanalak clouding the camera.

Chopen said: ‘I don't know what it was. I thought it was a waterspout but it was too small. I was thinking twice if I should run away but then it hit the rocks and disappeared.'

The bizarre weather phenomenon is believed to be the base of a small waterspout tornado that formed during the hot tropical weather.

Waterspout tornadoes are created when wind merges from opposite directions near the water's surface, creating a small area of spin. Warm air at the surface causes the spinning air to rotate faster and it starts to rise – picking up water at the same time and forming the distinctive elephant-funnel shape.

As warm air rises, the cooler air moves in below and then rises, too. Sometimes the air spins so fast that it stretches and a funnel appears from the water to the thunderstorm cloud above.

Waterspouts are generally not dangerous but they can be a risk for aircraft flying through the area and for coral reefs and marine life in the water immediately below. Sailors should also try to avoid waterspouts as the power of the wind can cause damage.

They very rarely damage buildings as they dissipate when they reach land. However, they are dangerous of boats caught in their path or aircraft that fly through them.