A bungling backpacker riding a rented motorcycle for the first time crashed into a roadside restaurant.

The tourist was trying to park beside the shop while talking to his friend when he suddenly accelerated - sending the vehicle hurtling forward.

CCTV footage shows the foreigner crashing through the eatery in front of shocked diners at Mang Maee Dimsum restaurant in Phuket, Thailand, on January 15.

The holidaymaker struck another vehicle, which fell as it smashed into one of the tables. He then meekly apologised and clasped his hands together in a praying motion - a sign to say 'sorry'.

Startled restaurant owner Amphika Giew said: 'The tourist on the motorcycle was talking to his friend 30ft away. The next thing we knew, he was already inside my shop.

'He said he accidentally twisted the throttle and was startled. Then he couldn't control the bike. He said he was not used to riding motorcycles and this was his first time.

'I am worried for him because he could have been more seriously hurt. He should be wearing a helmet.'

Waiters and customers backed away as the backpacker narrowly missed one of them. He was seen gesturing with his two palms pressed to say sorry before leaving the shop.

Amphika added: 'He took responsibility, paid us 5,000 baht (118 GBP) for the damage, and apologised. We do not know which country he is from and we didn't call the police.'

The shopkeeper said tourist grazed his leg from trying to stop the motorcycle but he was otherwise unhurt. He backed up the bike and went on his way.

(1 THB=0.02GBP)