A cash-strapped British tourist allegedly faked his own kidnap to extort money from his family in England.

The Brit, identified only as 'Ian', allegedly connived with his friends to fabricate his abduction after he ran out of money to prolong his holiday in the notorious sex tourist destination of Pattaya, eastern Thailand.

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau was notified when Ian's frantic family reported to Interpol about his supposed abduction for ransom.

Officers launched a search and traced Ian's whereabouts to a hotel in the notorious town, dubbed 'Sin City' for its adult nightlife industry. They then sent the armed 'Hanuman' special operations team to free him from his captors.

However, upon barging into the room, police were shocked to find the tourist safe and sound - while reportedly taking drugs during a two-day binge with three other foreigners.

Police Major General Montree Theskhan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, said four people, including Ian, were arrested on January 26 on charges of jointly possessing unauthorised firearms and ammunition, possession of category one drugs, and overstaying in Thailand.

Police Major General Montree Theskhan said: 'Time and staff resources were spent following the case to rescue the British man. We acted quickly because there were fears for his safety.

'When the police arrived, he was doing something illegal himself. He will now be prosecuted.'

The suspects were identified as French national Damien, New Zealander Benjamin, and British men Darren and Ian.

Police said Ian and his group of three friends had been living in Thailand for an extended period. When his travel funds were depleted, Ian thought to trick his family to send money before authorities foiled his plans.

The tourists were taken to the Pattaya City Police Station for prosecution.

Former fishing village Pattaya became popular with American troops on 'rest and relaxation' breaks in the 1960s when the U.S. military had bases in Thailand. In the ensuing years, the coastal resort spawned into a semi-barbarous sex-tourism hellscape.

Embarrassed officials have made progress in gentrifying the region with family tourism projects but a ravenous nightlife industry and corrupt police have hampered their efforts, with undesirables from all nations still attracted to the seedy city.