A tourist in Thailand is facing a fine for sitting on a protected coral reef for an underwater picture in Thailand.

Wisutr Rattanasathian, 45, allegedly posted a photo of himself on social media wearing a scuba mask and flippers while sitting on a Porites lutea coral, which is protected under the country's Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act.

The picture was reportedly taken in Chonburi province's Sattahip district last year. Prosecutors said they will be used as evidence against the tourist.

Marine and Coastal Resources officer Wuttipong Wongin said: 'Touching or sitting on corals puts stress on them, can damage their tissue, and can even kill them if the contact is prolonged.

'I would like to remind everyone to help monitor and protect the environment. Absolutely do not touch or move corals if you see them. Doing so, you will be prosecuted to the utmost in order to conserve our marine resources.'

Wisutr later turned himself in at the police station and allegedly confessed to being the man in the photo. He claimed he had no idea he was sitting on a coral and thought it was a piece of rock.

He said: 'I apologise for my actions. I meant no harm, I only wanted to take a photo while I was underwater.'

If found guilty, he may be fined a staggering one million Thai baht (23,000 GBP) penalty and may also be imprisoned for up to 10 years.