A relieved American tourist was rescued after spending the day lost in the Thai jungle.

William Ernest Nehrer, 68, went for a walk through woodland on the holiday island of Phuket, southern Thailand, on Friday morning, April 29.

But the holidaymaker was unable to find his way back to his hotel and called the emergency services for help.

Police feared that with temperatures reaching close to 38 degrees and no water available, the American could suffer dehydration and pass out.

He could not give officers his location but they tracked his position using the phone's GPS signal.

A large search and rescue operation was started and cops found the desperate American just before nightfall.

He was healthy but had suffered some cuts and scratches while trying to battle through the jungle tree branches.

William, who is also known as Bill, said: 'I'm so glad that the police came. I had wandered off the main trail and was completely lost.

'I really didn't know what to do. I didn't have any supplies with me. Thankfully I had my phone and there was a signal for me to call the emergency number I had saved.

'I want to thank all of the local police guys for helping me out.'

Lieutenant General Songklod Soonthornnon said that officers had mobilised as soon as receiving the American's distress call. He said the search operation was split into two teams to cover different areas close to the GPS location from the emergency call.

The policeman added: 'The lost American man was found at 6:20pm and taken back to his accommodation safely.

'We advised him to stick to avoid trekking in the jungle or at least stick to the main pathways.'