Dozens of tourists were rescued after their boat was battered by huge waves off a Thai island.

The 28 passengers were returning to the tropical holiday island of Phuket when their vessel, the Siriwan Marine 5, was struck by fierce swells near Koh Poda Nok island in Krabi province, on March 10. They began panicking as water leaked in from the cracked hull.

The boat operator sent a distress call to the Ko Phi Phi National Park, and rescue teams were dispatched to evacuate the stranded holidaymakers.

Video shows the tourists being transferred to a rescue ship as high winds blew at sea. They were ferried to safety at the Ao Loh Samah Pier and later resumed their journey to Phuket.

National park chief Saengsuri Songthong said: 'The incident occurred at noon today. After receiving the report, I immediately ordered the available officers to provide assistance.

'According to the report, the boat had departed from Koh Lipe island in Satun province and was headed for Phuket. But while it was passing Koh Phi Phi island, it was damaged by the waves.

'We would like to remind tour boat operators to check the condition of their boats before sailing to prevent accidents that may occur in the middle of the sea.'

The Thai Meteorological Department on Monday, March 10, forecasted thunderstorms in 30 per cent of Thailand's southwestern coast, including Phuket.

Waves were predicted to reach up to two metres (seven feet) offshore.