A tourist attacked a petrol station customer and attempted to steal his car in Thailand.

The Taiwanese holidaymaker allegedly went on a methamphetamine-induced rampage, entering the gas station in Ayutthaya province while pointing his weapon - a 15cm-long folding knife - at pump attendants and scaring them off on September 3.

A blue car that had just finished refuelling at the time of the incident and the panicked driver fled but another motorist was caught in the chaos.

The barefooted attacker set his eyes on the vehicle and was caught on CCTV cameras entering the vehicle, sending its terrified passengers running to escape. Luckily, they were alert enough to take the keys with them, preventing the attacker from making a getaway.

The shaken car owner said: 'I saw his pocket knife once he hopped into my car, so I told my girlfriend to get off immediately and I took the car keys with me.'

Holding a fuel nozzle, the tourist was then seen climbing on the car's windscreen. Staff and residents squared up to him before police later arrived.

Rescuers bandaged up his swollen face and administered first aid before taking him to the Uthai Police Station for questioning.

After a three-hour inquiry, it was discovered that the Taiwanese man's name is Ou Jui Hao, 28. Speaking through interpreters, he said he had illegally entered Thailand with two other friends for a holiday on September 1, but decided to go his own way after they had a row. He then visited the historical city of Ayutthaya and terrorised the gas station.

Officers said Jui Hao was arrested and tested positive for amphetamines in his system.

He has been detained in custody and is currently facing charges of unlawfully entering the country, allegedly causing harm to others, mischief, robbery, and drug use (methamphetamine).