This is the dramatic moment strong winds blew a giant kite and dragged three men against the sand during a festival in Thailand.

The 15-metre long kite was being set up for a show on a beach in Surat Thani province on March 29 when there was a sudden gust and the team appeared to lose control of their prop.

Max Krittayod, 21, was caught unprepared and lost his balance when it was blown away. His friends held him for support but they were dragged by the large object as well.

Footage shows how the contraction crashed into a nearby crowd and knocked over plastic chairs.

The kite enthusiast Max, who was organising the show, said: 'Suddenly a strong wind just started on the beach for about 10 minutes. Luckily we all managed to control the big kite.'

Baffled onlookers ran out of the way to try and avoid being struck . More people rushed to help the kite fliers control the object until the strong wind passed.

No one was reported hurt in the incident.