A hapless tourist drove a rental car onto a beach - only to become stuck on the sand.

The couple onboard the yellow pickup truck steered too close to shore and were bogged down in Phuket, Thailand, on December 24.

Footage shows the truck's wheels buried in wet sand while a couple stood 15ft (5m) away waiting for help.

The area was opposite the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa in Mai Khao Beach.

An eyewitness said they heard cheering from the people inside the car before being caught in the sand.

Onlooker Fah Lang Fon said: 'This happens almost every day. I do not know why. They should just let the car be swept away into the sea so it can serve as a lesson.'

The couple was with a friend who remained inside the vehicle, still attempting to tow out of being wedged without success.

Police later arrived with some locals helping in pulling the car out of the beach.

It was not the first time tourists were caught in the beach sand in the area.

In March last year, a Chinese tourist drove his green Jeep at Kamala Beach before being stuck after allegedly ignoring warning signs.

In Chumphon province, the next month, a Thai YouTuber Netijen Netirattapaiboon, better known as Prite, also drove his black Tesla onto the beach before sunset.

A tow truck had to be called to help remove the car from the sand.