Two male tourists were attacked by Thai ladyboys when they tried to break up a fight.

Israeli backpacker Ofir Tzimhi and Russian national Natan Serebrinsky reportedly intervened when a gang of violent transgender women allegedly battered two Thai women in Phuket, Thailand, in the early hours of March 5.

However, the fiery ladyboys then turned their fury on the foreign visitors.

Footage shows one of the men running away as he was chased on the street by a squawking trans woman in a revealing red top and skimpy shorts. The man's white shirt had been partially torn, and he had scratches on his back and nape.

Police Lieutenant Phongsaphiphat Khamchumphu, Deputy Chief of Investigation at the Patong Police Station, said police were later notified about the fight.

He said: 'From the investigation, it was found that the incident involved five transgender women, identified as Suwicha Maisen, 20, Aphisit Nuikaew, 28, Siwaphum Michan, 29, and two others, whose names and surnames are unknown.

'They were reported to have jointly attacked Ms. Wilaiporn Vomontree, 21, and Sunisa Thongmon, 23, causing injuries. Then Mr. Nathan Serebrinsky and Mr. Ofir Tsimihi came to stop them. Later, both parties had a scuffle and fought, causing injuries to both sides.'

The injured individuals were treated at Patong Hospital. Officers said they had taken photos of the injuries as evidence.

Police said the fight was sparked by the transgender group accusing the two women of stealing their clients. They and the tourists will be charged with public disturbance, which has a maximum fine of 5,000 Baht (115 GBP), authorities said.

The incident is the latest of Thai ladyboys involved in violence.

On February 15, two ladyboy prostitutes shocked customers as they fought over a male foreign tourist at a pool hall in 'Sin City' Pattaya.

The once-pristine island of Phuket has been marred by over-tourism as the Thai government implements a visa-free scheme to boost revenue following the barren pandemic years.

The island saw 800,000 foreign visitors last year alone.

However, angry locals claim the push for tourist dollars has attracted crowds of 'low-quality' visitors from Russia, India and Australia. There are also fears that the island has become an enclave of criminal activity, with police unable to control street fights and more organised ruffians setting up rackets among local businesses.

Phuket officials said they are implementing tighter immigration controls and screening processes amid a wave of drug-related crimes and illegal activities on the island.

(1 GBP = 43.51 THB)