Thai police were today searching for a foreign backpacker nicknamed 'AK' who was caught on CCTV spray painting a shop front.

The tourist was seen carrying a bottle of beer while he vandalised buildings in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, in the early hours of Thursday (10/01) morning.

He left the tags ''OPENS CLEAR'' and ''LPC. OPEN. AK'' on the front of buildings in a former bus station.

Police have now appealed for more information to identify the suspect, who faces a fine up of to 6,000 Baht (150GBP).

Police Inspector of Chiang Rai Tourist Police, Chantarit Laopirodjaree, said: ''A civilian reported the man walking by a guesthouse in Soi Sanpanard at 2.00 AM on the same day.

''We are still investigating to find the hotel or the guesthouse he is staying.

''He will certainly be prosecuted for vandalism, and the fine would be maximum 6,000 baht.''

Police believe that the vandal's nickname, or tag, is AK. They are reviewing CCTV in the area and checking at local hostels.

The case has echoes of Liverpool backpacker ''Scouse Lee'' who daubed his name on an 800-year-old temple wall in the neighbouring region of Chiang Mai.

Lee Furlong was caught and threatened with up to ten years in a Thai prison but was later released after spending several weeks awaiting a court appearance, in which he had to pay a 2,400GBP fine.

Thai police were today searching for a backpacker nicknamed 'AK' caught on CCTV spray painting shop front.

The tourist was seen carrying a bottle of beer while he vandalised buildings in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, in the early hours of Thursday (10/01) morning.

He left the tags ''OPENS CLEAR'' and ''LPC. OPEN. AK'' on the front of buildings in a former bus station.

Police have now appealed for more information to identify the suspect, who faces a fine up of to 6,000 Baht (150GBP).

Police Inspector of Chiang Rai Tourist Police, Chantarit Laopirodjaree, said: ''A civilian reported the man walking by a guesthouse in Soi Sanpanard at 2.00 AM on the same day.

''We are still investigating to find the hotel or the guesthouse he is staying.

''He will certainly be prosecuted for vandalism, and the fine would be maximum 6,000 baht.''

Police believe that the vandal's nickname, or tag, is AK. They are reviewing CCTV in the area and checking at local hostels.

The case has echoes of Liverpool backpacker ''Scouse Lee'' who daubed his name on an 800-year-old temple wall in the neighbouring region of Chiang Mai.

Lee Furlong was caught and threatened with up to ten years in a Thai prison but was later released after spending several weeks awaiting a court appearance, in which he had to pay a 2,400GBP fine.