A friendly dugong swam alongside a tourist's kayak off the coast of Thailand.

Footage shows the marine mammal gliding under the surface of the water while the holidaymaker her yellow vessel in Koh Muk in Trang province on May 3.

The kayaker Walin Worakarn said she was heading to the deeper part of the water but encountered choppy waves so she turned back to take a safety vest.

However, on her way back, Walin saw the dugong was approaching and swam closely to her.

She said: ‘I was surprised and happy. I felt like it was making sure I reached the shore unharmed.'

Dugongs are reserved animals according to the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act in Thailand.

They are also listed as Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List and in Appendix I of CITES.