Stranded tourists were rescued when a flash flood surged down a waterfall during a storm in Thailand.

The holidaymakers were playing in the stream at the Tham Phra Waterfall in Bueng Kan province on August 1 when staff from the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary urged them to leave as heavy rain began to fall at around 4 pm.

As they were packing up their things, a torrent of water came gushing down the Phu Wua mountain and trapped them. Staff called for help and monitored the guests while waiting for rescuers.

The tourists were seen standing in the shallower parts of the river when the team arrived with ropes and guided them towards the banks. There were no reports of injured or missing individuals, according to local media.

Following the rescue, sanctuary staff closed off the tourist spot to prevent any further incidents.

Entrance to the Tham Phra waterfall, and three other waterfalls in the area, was also prohibited starting August 2 until the weather improves, authorities said.

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