This is the dramatic moment a robber tried to steal a pensioner's gold chain - only to fail and apologise for what he had done.

The would-be thief felt a sudden pang of remorse when he attempted to snatch a gold necklace from Mrs Lamai, 73, who was walking outside her grocery store in Bangkok, Thailand.

CCTV footage shows the man, wearing a face mask and helmet, suddenly extending his arm to grab the jewellery on August 2. However, he failed to take it away.

The startled elderly woman can be seen turning around while clutching her necklace.

Ashamed of his actions, he immediately approached her, bowing with his palms pressed together as he walked closely in front of the shocked senior citizen.

The man even revealed his face and could be heard repeatedly apologising for what happened.

Mrs Lamai said: 'I was lucky I wasn't harmed during the encounter. My gold necklace is still intact after the attempt, but I would not dare wear my jewellery outside anymore.'

The suspect claimed he had tried to rob her because his mother was in the hospital and in need of money.

Feeling sympathy, the pensioner gave him 100 baht (approximately 2.32 GBP).

She added: 'He begged us not to call the police. We will not pursue legal action, but we hope he never does it again. He should have empathy for his ailing mother, who would be devastated if she knew her son had become a thief, and he should turn his life around, never repeating such behaviour again.'