A rowdy British tourist was soaked with water by angry locals when he ignored a 'no smoking' sign next to a market stall.

The shaven-headed middle-aged Brit with an East London accent was visiting the Chang Phuak street food attraction with friends in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Wednesday night.

But he allegedly lit up next to a gas tank used for powering the stoves. The cook said she politely asked the holidaymaker to put out his cigarette but he became aggressive.

He claimed it was his 'personal freedom' to be able to smoke in public but the staff on the desert stall said it was a safety risk because of the gas tank nearby.

Footage captured by a shocked bystander shows the angry scenes that erupted. He allegedly pushed over a tray and threw a lit cigarette towards the stall.

The staff responded by hurling bowls of cold water over the burly man as he retreated.

He is heard in the video saying: 'You f*** off. You did it first. It's nothing to do with you, you stupid b****.'

Onlooker Naruebon Khonthee said the stall vendor's sister later arrived and calmed the situation. The tourist apologised and he was sent on his way, with his friends helping to placate him.

She said: 'I was standing at a market stall next to the fight. I heard shouting and started to record what happened. He said it was his personal freedom to be able to smoke.

'I thought the foreigner was going to become violent. He was so big.'

The stall owner later arrived and apologised for her staff throwing water on the holidaymaker.

She said: 'The staff were concerned that his cigarette would start a fire, so initially they threw the water on the cigarette when it was on the ground. But the situation escalated and the water was thrown at the man.'

Police Lieutenant Colonel Awirut Sukyaem from the Chiang Mai provincial force said that no complaints had been received about the tourist.

However, the officer said they would investigate if a report was filed.

He said: 'Police are aware of the incident involving the foreigner at the night market, but there were no emergency calls made when the incident happened. If there is a report made, we will investigate and mediate.'