A shirtless British tourist was found wandering along the roadside while behaving erratically in Thailand.

The holidaymaker, who gave his name as Martyn Simpson, was found in the early hours of Thursday morning.

He was shirtless and wearing only black shorts and socks, with his shoes missing.

Martyn had scrapes across his body and was walking with a limp while appearing disoriented and talking incoherently.

He friends at a nearby hotel had reportedly been looking for hime for around five or six hours.

Locals gathered to assist by giving Martyn water, while rescuers attempted to provide basic first aid and inquire about his condition. 

However, Martyn, who was speaking incoherently, began walking away towards a nearby railway line.

Resident Chinnakorn Kantho, 24, said: ‘I heard him shouting loudly and saw him walking into my shop.

‘When I asked what was wrong, he seemed dizzy and confused, so I offered him water and called for assistance.

‘But as soon as he saw the rescue vehicle's flashing lights, he appeared frightened and walked away, saying he was afraid of the police.'

Another resident observed the shirtless foreigner walking along the road and shouting. 

He also tried to offer help to Martyn but received a similar reaction.

Paramedics eventually contacted the police who arrived and took the tourist back to his hotel.