A homeless Thai rubbish collector surprised locals with his impressive English skills.

Kritsada Sapkamol, 83, known affectionally as Uncle Billy or Willy, regaled passers-by in Khon Kaen, Thailand with his tales spoken in English with an almost perfect home counties accent.

He told local media on March 30 that he had practiced speaking the language back when he was employed in several European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and England.

Though each country spoke a different tongue, they all shared English as a bridge language, he said.

Amusing footage shows Kritsada approaching a group of tourists to invite them - in English - to try the local grilled chicken.

He said that he sometimes acted as a translator between foreign tourists and local workers who could not speak nor understand English.

Billy said: 'While I was collecting garbage, I happened to come across foreigners several times.

'They were typically part of a touring group that had come to visit the local zoo and have a meal, which usually included grilled chicken.

'However, since none of them could speak Thai and their driver couldn't speak English, I offered to assist them several times.

'Over the last couple of days, I witnessed a group of tourists arrive in a single car and wander around the grilled chicken restaurant before the vendor approached them to take their order.

'Seeing the communication barrier between the Thai vendor and the foreign customers, I took the initiative to offer my assistance by speaking English.'

Though the skill may prove more profitable for him, Kritsada said he planned to continue collecting and selling rubbish, which he viewed as a form of exercise.

His earnings are small - a meager 20 baht (0.6 USD) for a full cart of rubbish - but he survives thanks to kind vendors who take turns giving him food and drinks.

The beloved local said: 'I feel like I gain something more valuable than money through my work.'

Kritsada's ex-wife Noo Sapkamol, 78, said they were married when she was only 17 and her husband, 21.

They sold grilled chicken for a living, and had two children before Kritsada left Thailand to work abroad. Noo has also given her former husband a place to stay.

They are now divorced due to disagreements, but remain on friendly terms as they live together as a family.

Noo said: 'Kritsada likes to speak and greet his neighbours in English, but not everyone can understand him. So, for the past three days, he offered his help to foreigners he comes across.

'He said he wanted to continue collecting garbage because he did not want to stay idle.'

Their neighbour, Don Nareechan, 48, said Kritsada was friendly and liked to help others.

He said: 'He will leave before dawn every day to collect garbage, then return around noon to clean and sort everything. After selling the recyclables, he will go out to collect some more.

'The grilled chicken vendors are familiar with him since he often helps them communicate with foreigners.'