A Russian bar owner was severely injured after he was shot by an unknown attacker on a tourist island in Thailand.

Businessman Dmitry Aleynikov, 44, was sitting in his ORA car in front of Cafe Waya in Phuket when the helmeted assailant strode in front of him and unleashed a barrage of gunshots on Wednesday afternoon, June 7.

The shooter, who was wearing a green raincoat, fled on his motorbike while locals called police and medics for help.

Authorities found Dmitry in the driver's seat with blood streaming out of his chest. He suffered three gunshot wounds to his chest, armpit, and left arm. The victim was still conscious and lucid when he was rushed to the Thalang Hospital.

Cops also found four bullet holes on his car windscreen.

Police Major Kittipong Noopeng of the Cherng Talay Police Station said cops have reviewed the surveillance footage and traced the suspect's escape route.

He said: 'The male suspect appeared to be riding a Honda PCX motorcycle and was wearing a covering obscuring his face. He escaped towards a pond around a kilometre away where he disposed of his clothes, glasses, gloves, and gun.'

A witness said Dmitry was a regular at the cafe. Before the shooting, the suspect had been observed circling around the shop several times while talking on his phone, the onlooker said.

Officers have yet to clarify the motive for the shooting.

A search has been launched for the fugitive gunman.