A Russian influencer has received a suspended jail sentence for kicking a pregnant Thai shopkeeper who asked her to remove her shoes.

Model Alena Kupriyanova, 40, entered the store selling organic food on Koh Pha Ngan island on March 18, holding a coffee cup and wearing shoes - despite a sign at the entrance asking visitors to remove their footwear.

The shopkeeper Satika, 38, who is eight months pregnant, told Alena in English to take off her white sandals but the tourist allegedly refused and claimed her shoes were clean.

When Satika insisted that the holidaymaker remove her shoes, Alena reportedly insulted her and kicked her in the leg before storming out.

The shocked Thai woman filed a report with police, who identified and detained Alena at the Koh Pha Ngan police station over the alleged assault on March 19.

Alena, who has 300,000 followers on Instagram, admitted to kicking Satika and made a grovelling apology to her, claiming she was short-tempered that day because of her period.

However, unforgiving Satika ordered the police to continue pressing charges. Alena was today fined 500 Baht (10.89 GBP fine) and jailed for 15 days, suspended for one year.

The Thai woman said: 'I sell organic herbal products, and I want my store to be clean so I asked the tourist to take off her shoes.

'I was afraid the Russian woman would hurt me and my unborn child so I didn't chase her after the incident. It was shocking she would treat me that way when I am clearly pregnant.

'I have accepted her apology, but I want her to face the legal consequences of her actions.'

Police Major General Sermphan Sirikong, Commander of the Surat Thani Provincial Police, said: 'I have ordered investigators to proceed with the case and press charges. The pregnant woman will also receive assistance according to the law.

'We are also proposing to Surat Thani immigration to consider revoking the Russian woman's visa.'

Police said Alena was charged with violating Section 295 of the Thai Criminal Code or 'causing injury to another person in body or mind'.

The offence carries a maximum punishment of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 4,000 baht, or both. However, a court in neighbouring Koh Samui today sentenced the Russian to 15 days behind bars suspended for one year.

Thailand has seen an influx of Russians seeking safety since the conflict erupted with Ukraine last year.

Despite concerns, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has welcomed the influx of foreign cash and even courted reviled Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In October last year, he invited the former KGB officer to visit Thailand to strengthen ties between the two countries.