A Russian tourist was arrested for allegedly attacking a countryman over cryptocurrency debt in Thailand.

Dmitri Kuznetsov, 36, reportedly assaulted Zelimkhan Iusupov, 31, in his room at the Wekata Luxury Hotel on the crime-ridden island of Phuket on January 5.

He was said to have demanded that Zelimkhan pay him 120,000 USD he is said to have owed his associate, Andrei Veselov, 34, who had ordered him to carry out the attack.

The suspect allegedly tied Zelimkhan to the bathroom door rail before beating him unconscious and taking 7,000 USD from his suitcase.

Zelimkhan survived the attack and reported to the police after breaking free from his restraints.

Police Colonel Khun Decha Na Nong Khai, superintendent of the Karon Police Station, said: 'We have identified the pepetrators based on the inspection of the crime scene, the victim's testimony, and CCTV footage along the escape route. We also checked the Immigration Bureau system.'

Officers named the suspects as Dmitri and Andrei.

A battered Zelimkhan allegedly told police he had a dispute with Andrei, with whom he had crypto business dealings in Russia. He claimed the attacker had made him speak to Andrei over the phone during the assault.

Investigators found that Andrei had entered Thailand on November 26. He was nabbed at a luxury villa on Phuket on January 7.

While Dmitri was found to have flown to Dubai on January 6.

CCTV footage shows him riding a motorcycle to the Phuket city area after leaving the hotel.

Police Major General Saranyu Chamnanraj, deputy commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 8, said: ‘The suspect did not testify much because he was unable to communicate in English and wanted to wait for his lawyer.

'We are seeking an Interpol Red Notice for the other suspect Kuznetsov.'

Andrei was charged with extortion and illegal detention.

Phuket is a notorious enclave of criminal activity that has become a popular destination for tourists fleeing from the Russia-Ukraine war.