This is the bizarre moment two tourists fought outside bars in Thailand.

Footage shows the pair of shirtless men grappling, wrestling, and exchanging blows along the Soi Bangla party strip on the busy tourist island of Phuket on December 26.

Onlookers cheered on the sidelines and made no move to stop the backpackers, who later went their separate ways.

The fight sparked outrage among residents who criticised the lack of security in the area.

Phuket has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, but it has also attracted criminals and rowdy holidaymakers.

Furious locals have been blaming the Thai government's free visa policy for the influx of 'low-quality tourists' in the country. The scheme was implemented to boost income from Thailand's tourism industry.