Three people were injured when a fairground ride collapsed in northeastern Thailand.

Revellers were on the Octopus Fun Ride that was opened for the International Silk Festival in Khon Kaen province when the operator heard clicking noises during the machine's last round at midnight on December 1.

As the ride was being stopped for safety, the bolts connecting one of the seats broke, sending it falling on top of five riders.

Authorities said three people were injured - two with minor injuries and one person who needed to be hospitalised. They were treated at the Khon Kaen Hospital.

Ride operator Chaturong Phorchak, 36, said the accident had happened near closing time. He said: 'The machine had been running for a long time, and some of its parts are old. It was lucky that the bolts broke as the ride was slowing down.'

He added the old parts would be replaced to ensure the safety of the riders.

Meanwhile, Mueang Khon Kaen district chief Prachuap Rakphaet inspected the scene with Anu Juengsakul, chief of the provincial public works and town planning office, on December 2.

Prachuap said the ride had a legal license, and had indeed deteriorated from long use. He said Chaturong has agreed to compensate the injured tourists.

He said: 'Such incidents should not occur. It is vital that thorough inspections be conducted to ensure rides are 100 per cent ready to prevent similar incidents in the future.'

In October, another octopus fairground ride collapsed, injuring three people in Bangkok.

The 'Polipo' attraction broke at the Siam Carnival Funfair on October 26, when one of its hydraulic chokes allegedly malfunctioned. The ride was reported to have been dismantled following the incident.