Speedboats took tourists on a terrifying ride - bouncing through huge waves during a storm in Thailand.

The vessels were travelling off the island of Phuket when they were thrashed by rough seas on August 1. Terrified tourists screamed as they crashed through the waves and soared through the air while being pummelled by rain.

The Thai Meteorological Department had issued weather advisories that day warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds in the Andaman Sea and the upper region of the Gulf of Thailand.

The agency warned that waves in the Gulf of Thailand could reach up to 10 feet, or higher in areas being battered by thunderstorms, while waves crested up to 7 feet high in the Andaman Sea.

The Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park released a warning to boat operators to exercise caution and make safety preparations, such as bringing safety vests, due to the hazardous sea conditions.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.