Shocked locals tried to stop a fight between drunk Russian tourists in Thailand.

Footage shows residents breaking up the physical altercation as three hulking men traded blows on the street on Phuket island.

Three foreign women tried to control the rampaging holidaymakers but they refused to listen, prompting the villagers to step in.

An onlooker said: 'One man's head was bleeding. Russians are crazy like this. Russian with big muscles fight with other Russians.'

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.