A gang of rowdy French tourists were arrested for riding motorbikes and causing a public disturbance in Thailand.

The French riders were part of a large group of foreigners motorbike racing in the holiday island of Phuket on February 8 evening.

They caused outrage among residents as they rampaged through the streets, revving their engines and belching smoke while flouting local traffic laws as they rode without wearing helmets.

Cops acted on the complaints and detained dozens of racers, including the seven French tourists, in the group.

Police Colonel Suchin Nilbodi said: 'Motorcycle rental operators should educate tourists not to go racing on roads and causing a public nuisance. We will increase our patrols to prevent such behaviour.'

Following the incident, Patong Police and Phuket Tourist Police met with the head of Phuket's French Consulate to address the matter.

The officers handed over a letter of cooperation urging the consulate to educate French tourists about the country's traffic laws and valid driving licenses before visiting.