A motorcyclist in Buddhist monk robes was arrested for driving with a python slung across his shoulder.

Prasert Linsamphatwinyan sparked alarm when he raced along a highway with the reptile draped across his back in Pattaya, Thailand.

Footage shows him weaving through traffic while standing on the motorcycle pedals. A bouquet of flowers obscured his two-wheeler's license plate.

Onlooker Bangorn Chomngam, 40, said she filmed the incident on March 16 as evidence for police.

She said: 'I hope the relevant authorities can investigate whether or not the man was a real monk. His actions are inappropriate and can ruin Buddhism's image.'

Prasert surrendered himself to police on March 18 when footage of his stunt emerged on social media. He showed up at the station wearing the saffron cloth as a skirt, his hair a tangled bird's nest on his head.

He said: 'I was just a tourist riding from Rayong to Chonburi, and I was stopping at tourist destinations along the way.

'I collected items from shrines and cemeteries, including flowers, sacred items, and red cloth, to use as lucky decorations for my motorcycle.

'As for my attire, I was not wearing a monk's robe, but rather a cloth that I found tied around a tree. I took it because it felt comfortable and dried easily.

'The ball python is my pet. I imported it legally and I have permission to own it.'

A Bang Lamung Police Station officer said Prasert was given a warning and issued a fine for his antics.

The spokesman said: 'We have ordered him to remove the decorations from his motorcycle and to dress normally to avoid creating any more misunderstandings.'