This is the heart-stopping moment an impatient cyclist dodged an oncoming train at a level crossing in Thailand.

Security footage shows the biker waiting next to a white car while the barrier was lowered at the Na San station crossing in Surat Thani province on August 13.

Deciding not to wait any longer, he flouted traffic rules by ducking under the pole, apparently unaware of the locomotive thundering closer.

The rider tried to clear the tracks, but was stunned to see the train hurtling right towards him at the last second.

The shocked cyclist managed to stumble back, dropping his bike to the ground while the train sped by just a few feet away from him.

He quickly recovered from the brush with death and picked up a plastic bag and hopped on his bike nonchalantly to continue his journey.

In an interview with local media, the train operator said he was driving at about 50 kilometres per hour during the incident, and did not see the man on the tracks. He added that the signal was green when the biker rushed under the crossing barrier.

The cyclist was reportedly in violation of Section 62 of Thailand's Road Traffic Act, which states that drivers at a level crossing should stay at least five metres away from an oncoming train during a red light.

The offence carries a fine of at least 500 Baht, with violators facing heavier charges if the train sustains damage, Sanook News said.