Two Chinese tourists were arrested for allegedly selling laughing gas to customers in Bangkok.

Li Shuyu, 29, and Ye Yanming, 26, reportedly supplied the euphoria-inducing substance to holidaymakers in bars and nightclubs in the capital city.

Police stormed the pair's hotel in the Huai Khwang District following tip-offs that they were selling illegal nitrous oxide stored in balloons to other tourists in the area.

Footage shows officers searching the Chinese men's sedan, where they found 21 unlabelled boxes containing dozens of laughing gas canisters.

Li and Ye claimed they owned the car but could not produce valid registration documents. They were arrested for allegedly violating the Drug Act of 1967.

Police Colonel Pornthep Chalermkiat, superintendent of the Sutthisan Police Station, said: 'We believe the laughing gas had been imported from abroad. The gas tanks were labelled with the English word 'GUCCI'.

'The police officers informed the suspects that they will be charged with 'selling, importing, or ordering prescription drugs into the Kingdom without a license' according to the Drug Act of 1967.

'Both suspects were informed of their legal rights. They have confessed to all charges. Therefore, an arrest record was made and they were taken to the Suthisan Police Station, the area where the drugs were seized, for further legal proceedings.'

Under Thailand's Drugs Act of 1967, selling nitrous oxide without a license can result in up to five years in prison and a 10,000 baht (230 GBP) fine. If bought from an unregistered supplier, offenders face an extra three years behind bars and a 5,000 baht (115 GBP) fine.

Thai officials have warned that laughing gas, if inhaled in excessive amounts, can cause dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, and death.

The colourless gas, known to induce a euphoric high, is used medically for pain relief and as an anaesthetic. However, it can lead to nerve damage and muscle weakness if frequently used for recreation.