Six tourists were rescued when their kayaks capsized off an island in eastern Thailand.

The holidaymakers were paddling in the sea when they were struck by strong waves off Koh Yuak island in Trat province on January 5.

The Thai Navy's Maritime Security Centre dispatched a rescue boat after receiving a distress call at 12:30 pm.

Rescue teams arrived at the scene and found the life-vest wearing holidaymakers floating in the choppy waters. They were pulled onboard the Navy vessel.

On the way back, two other tourists struggling on their kayaks were rescued.

Authorities said four Czech tourists and two Russian tourists were returned to shore and taken back to their hotel on Koh Chang island.

The Maritime Security Centre said there were no serious injuries reported.

It said in a statement: 'The Koh Chang Royal Thai Navy asks for cooperation from kayak rental operators and hotels to check the wave and wind conditions each day and to warn tourists about dangerous or risky areas for safety.'

The Thai Meteorological Department said the northeast monsoon was prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, causing isolated thunderstorms and waves up to 6ft tall.

Sea conditions in Thailand are at their most dangerous from November to February, causing dozens of tourists to drown every year,