This is the shocking moment wild monkeys ganged up on a female tourist in an attempt to snatch her handbag.

Footage shows the furry troop sneaking up behind the elderly woman as she enjoyed the seaside view at Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, Thailand.

The four mischievous macaques surrounded her and tried to yank the black pouch strapped over her shoulder.

One of the cheeky primates managed to get a grip on the bag and pulled at it, but the beachgoer scared them off using her slipper.

Onlooker Jhonmiller Salerno said: ‘The monkeys really wanted to get her bag.'

The animals scurried away as she raised the footwear, threatening to throw it at them. She then cut her beach trip short, and walked the other way to escape the rowdy simians on June 10.

Monkeys in Thailand have become accustomed to tourists feeding them and they will often become aggressive. They have also been known to steal food and belongings from tourists.