Police launched an investigation today after tourist's video selfie captured a Thai woman stealing a gold chain from around his neck.

Frederik de Vreese, 25, was recording the clip showing off the nightlife as he walked past a five-star hotel on the Sukhumvit Road area of Bangkok, on Tuesday night.

During the video, a woman approached him and put her arms around his neck while saying 'where you go, honey? I go to your room, I go f*** you'.

The holidaymaker, from Ghent, Belgium, brushed away the woman but shortly after he realised that an expensive gold chain around his neck was missing.

Frederik watched back his video and saw that he had been pickpocketed from right under his nose in under 10 seconds by the thief, by which time it was too late to find her.

The holidaymaker, who has reported the theft to police, said: 'The chain belonged to my grandfather, it was in the family for many years. I think it was worth around 800 euros.

'I'm devastated. It had a lot of sentimental value.

'I think the thief was part of a gang. She had a very distinctive tattoo so I hope that people can help to track her down.'

Frederik reported the incident to the Lumpini district police this afternoon, March 31, and they started an investigation.

Police said that Frederik confirmed he had never met the woman in the video before.

A spokesman said they were now hunting for the woman on suspicion of 'stealing by stealth at night', with crimes committed at night considered more severe.

They added: 'Officers at Lumphini Police Station are now checking CCTV cameras at the scene to speed up the identification of the perpetrators to prosecute them as soon as possible.'

The Thai capital has signs in English and Chinese at various points warning tourists about pickpockets and grab thieves.

Earlier this month a tourist from Kuwait had more than 4,500 USD in cash stolen after taking two prostitutes back to his hotel room before they allegedly drugged his coffee to knock him out.

Sukhumvit Road is Bangkok's busiest nightlife area, where high-rise hotels, shopping malls and offices can be found alongside bars in Soi Cowboy and the Nana Plaza.