This is the heartwarming moment a hapless kitten was rescued from a drain in Thailand.

The drenched moggie was crying for help when it was heard by a couple driving by on their motorcycle in Lampang province on July 7.

The couple called residents to help pry up the drain grilles. When they failed, they called the police, who requested cutting equipment to saw the steel drain cover in half.

Footage shows a kind motorcycle taxi rider climbing down and crawling into the drain to fish the stranded kitten out of the sewage.

The one-month-old kitten, with patches of fur missing from its head, was given food and water before being taken to the vet, where it was given a free checkup.

The cat has been adopted by the motorcycle rider who saved it.