A Russian woman bravely fought off a man who reportedly tried to sexually assault her while she was jogging in Thailand.

Elena Zyalkova, 38, was exercising along a secluded road next to a dam in the Bang Lamung district of Chonburi province on May 18 evening when the local allegedly pounced on her.

The language teacher was then allegedly dragged into woodland and beaten. However, Elena fought off the attacker who then reportedly fled. She then ran towards the main road and flagged down drivers for help.

CCTV footage shows Elena waving at vehicles for them to stop as she bled on the roadside. A motorcycle rider was then seen pulling over to help her.

Police have now arrested Thai man Kanteepop Thanachotsomboon, 37, who reportedly confessed to the attack. He has been remanded in custody while he is questioned.

Nong Prue Police Station Police Lieutenant Chatchai Rakkhamchop said: ‘Rescue workers interviewed the Russian woman Miss Elena Zyalkova but she could not remember what happened. She was covered in blood and waved at a passing motorcycle for help, who immediately called for police and ambulance.’

Elena told police that her memory was foggy which medics believed was a side effect of her head trauma. They applied first aid to her head wound before taking her to Bang Lamung Hospital for further treatment.

The tourist was covered in blood with a head injury while wearing short pants, a t-shirt, and barefooted, but her running shoes and mobile phone were found in the forest, about 10 meters away from the road.

Elena had several bruises and wounds across her body, particularly on her head and neck, while her medical report stated that she was not sexually assaulted.

Officers from the local police station with help from the Pattaya tourist police have started a manhunt for the attacker whom they believe tried to sexually assault the woman and found evidence of a pickup truck that was seen passing by the area relative to the time when the Russian was attacked.

It was traced back to a house that was near the police station and owned by Kanteepop.

Talking to the police, Kanteepop allegedly confessed to the attack. He said he did it ‘because attacking people relieved his stress.’

He was arrested yesterday May 19 evening and has been remanded in custody. Authorities are still looking into his alleged motive for the attack.

The Russian woman was discharged from the hospital the next morning May 19.

Police Lieutenant Chatchai Rakkhamchop added: 'Officers will interview the alleged victim again and check the extent of her injuries before we decide on the charges against the suspect.'