This is the shocking moment a couple holding hands on a romantic walk were swallowed by a sudden sinkhole in Thailand.

Dramatic footage shows the pair walking casually along a sidewalk on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, in Bangkok on Sunday, March 9, around 6 pm.

Then, without warning, the walkway collapsed, pulling them in and causing panic among passersby in the area.

The man quickly stood up from the completely destroyed sidewalk, helping his partner to her feet.

Local media reported that the footpath had been built just a month ago.

An enraged onlooker said: 'The relevant agencies must take legal action. What if this had happened to an elderly person? It would have been very dangerous.'

Local media reported that the couple emerged hurt but without serious injuries.