This is the bizarre moment live crabs were seen trying to escape from a big plate of traditional Thai papaya salad before being eaten.

Nong Omyim recorded the creatures while she was treating herself to the local delicacy for lunch in her house in Ubon Ratchathani, north eastern Thailand on April 24.

Footage shows dozens of fresh water crabs crawling out of the spicy salad plate.

Omyim said the live crablets are special toppings for her papaya salad. Locals in the Isaan region of northeast Thailand often garnish their salad with live crabs, a local delicacy.

"We collect the crabs and shrimps from the nearby ocean. Some may find it unusual. but we are used to preparing this yummy dish this way,'' she said.

Thai papaya salad, or Som Tam, is a traditional spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya. The dish originated from the ethnic Laos people but is also eaten throughout Southeast Asia.