A heroic German tourist risked his life to save a homeless Thai man drowning on a beach in Pattaya, Thailand.

The holidaymaker, 53, from Bavaria was swimming at the beach in front of the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya on April 29 afternoon when he noticed the man struggling some 300 feet from the shore.

Onlookers said the tourist, who only gave his name as Martin, shouted for help before plunging into the water himself to bring the man ashore.

Beach lifeguards tended to the Thai man and administered CPR. However, he remained unconscious and reportedly had no pulse. He was taken by parademics to the Pattaya City Hospital for treatment.

Ambulance worker Chaiyo Khumkratok said the Thai man, 50, was homeless and lived near the beach, with his belongings found some 65 feet away from the water.

He said: 'We believe the victim took a dip to cool off from the heat, but he was struck by epileptic seizures, causing him to drown.'

The hero German said he did not want any recognition and gave his name only as Martin. He said he was 53 from Bavaria.

He said: 'I don't want to be seen as a hero. I hope that others will do the same if they see someone in danger.'

The Thai man is now recovering at the hospital.