This is the terrifying moment fishing boats were crushed in a huge wave in a port in Thailand.

A seven-foot-tall 'tsunami-like' swell struck several long-tailed boats and fishing vessels, pushing them into the cramped Ban Khlong Makham coastal canal next to the sea in Trat province on July 26 evening.

Locals, police, and military personnel cleared the obstruction after 15 small boats and three large vessels were squeezed together in the narrow channel. Most of the boats were reported to be slightly damaged with some equipment thrown overboard.

Authorities said the boats had also damaged the supports of a bridge.

Cherdsak Chumnaseaw, District Chief of Khlong Yai, said: 'The damage is being surveyed so further assistance can be provided.'

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.