Tourists in Thailand have been banned from drinking while tubing down rivers amid fears that consuming alcohol in fast-flowing waters could dangerous.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Mae Hong Son province has prohibited 'tipsy tubing' - or floating in inflatable tubes on waterways while drunk - after footage spread of revellers overcrowding the Pai river last February.

Footage taken on February 14 showed dozens of backpackers clogging the shallow waterway with flavoured beers in hand. The video then alerted officials to the dangers of drunk backpackers drowning.

Phanuwat Khatnak, director of TAT Mae Hong Son, said the ban was imposed last year, but enforcement will be stricter due to the surge in the number of 'tubers'.

He added that operators, who appear to have prioritised profit over health and safety, must register their businesses, buy accident insurance, and employ one lifeguard for every 10 customers.

He said there are currently five tubing operators catering to tourists for around 200 to 400 baht (5.79 USD - 11.58 usd) per person.

The activity is only allowed from November to May during the dry season when the water is lowest at around waist-deep. It becomes deeper and more dangerous when monsoons start in the rainy season in June.

Instead of tipsy tubing, authorities invited holidaymakers to pay attention to the local cuisine and scenic spots instead.

Phanuwat said: 'According to the government policy, the Pai district is designated as a hub of tourism with a variety of attractions such as waterfalls, hot springs, and mountains.

'These will meet the needs of digital nomads and workation groups or hybrid work groups to travel to the area more and have a longer stay period.'

Health and safety regulations are still undeveloped in Thailand and other third world countries in Southeast Asia.