Swirling winds whipped along a beachfront sending terrified tourists running for safety in Pattaya, Thailand.

Footage shows the violent gales sweeping away rubbish, dirt, and orange plastic road barriers in front of the Pattaya City Police Station at around midnight on October 5.

Several pedestrians were seen braving the harsh weather to cross the street and take shelter in shops as rain fell.

The faint twister scattered debris across the road, then zipped toward a nearby shrine before dissipating.

Local media reported that the city had earlier been hit by high temperatures followed by a rainstorm that subsided after 30 minutes. There was no flooding reported.

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.