This is the shocking moment an aggressive macaque swiped at a gawping tourist's phone.

The holidaymaker had been trying to film the wild monkey up close, but it became irritated and struck her at a park in Lopburi, Thailand, on June 14.

Thailand's growing population of primates has become a problem as the animals are known to damage property, such as cars and buildings. Unafraid of the consequences, they have also started stealing food from tourists and locals.

Meanwhile, the Thai government is taking steps to manage the monkey population in the country, including creating sanctuaries, mass sterilisation programs, educating the public on how to handle the animals properly, and relocating them to more suitable habitats.