This is the moment wild monkeys behaved like pirates by raiding sightseeing boats carrying tourists in Thailand.

The primate troupe was spotted clinging to rock formations and trees on the shore when the vessel passed by Phi Phi island in Krabi province on September 1.

The long-tailed macaques then jumped into the water and swam across to reach and board the boat as guides fought to chase them away.

Footage shows one of the monkeys reaching for a rope on the vessel while a guide and a tourist pulled the animal away.

Tourist Anne Rauto said: ‘Some of the people were laughing and amused at the monkey, but it appeared hungry and looking for food. It was like a pirate.'

A beachgoer lured a monkey away with a snack and it returned to the cliffs, but it later swam back and almost boarded the boat.

Anne added: ‘The monkey was attacking people when they ran out of snacks to give. It's sad to see them hungry like that.'

No one was hurt, and the boat returned on its way after the monkeys left them.