Rescuers scrambled to save a sprightly American tourist who ignored weather warnings to go surfing during a storm in Thailand.

The officers rushed to the Thung Wua Laen beach in Chumphon province after villagers spotted the American man, Charlie, 78, apparently struggling against strong currents on November 15.

He is said to have ignored the red flag placed along the shore to warn locals of the rough waves. The volunteers spent more than an hour under the harsh rain searching for the foreigner.

However, the frail-looking beach-goer proved he was still as fit as ever, eventually emerging from the sea and nonchalantly boasting of his exploits on the waves, which last month clalimed the lives of two tourists who drowned in similar conditions.

Charlie then explained the situation to the confused rescue volunteers, saying he wanted the adrenalin rush of surfing through high waves. A young waitress from a nearby bar is seen in the video scolding him for going into the water.

However, Charlie said that he has ridden more powerful waves in Hawaii, and can easily navigate the relatively tame waters of Chumphon province.

Charlie later apologised for causing trouble, and thanked the concerned locals for their concern.

He said: 'I wanted to relax since Thailand is a nice place to live in, especially Chumphon province where the weather and sea are good for diving.

'I'm sorry to all the people I've worried. I just couldn't resist the urge to go for a swim.'

After the incident, Charlie hopped onto his motorcycle and drove back to his home.

Two tourists from the capital Bangkok drowned last month when they went swimming along the same stretch of beach, which is particularly rough at the moment due to the current monsoon rainy season battering the region with strong wind and rain.