A fire ripped through a popular tourist market sending holidaymakers running away in panic in Bangkok, Thailand, this afternoon.

Flames and thick black smoke could be seen rising from stalls at the Jodd Fairs Rama 9 night market in the capital city shortly after 4pm local time.

Locals and visitors fled as the flames grew stronger, engulfing several food stands as vendors began opening their kiosks.

Firemen rushed to the scene and brought the inferno under control. Officials are now investigating what caused the blaze at the attraction, which opens from 4pm until midnight every day.

Shocked witness Kanyarat said: 'I heard people shouting then ran noticed the fire, so I ran away as quickly as I could. I had just arrived and starting walking around. It was scary.'