A group of American tourists allegedly attacked a Thai transgender woman after her umbrella touched them.

The gang of prickly holidaymakers descended on Theeraporn Aunsorn, 22, when she accidentally doused them with her wet umbrella while walking along a nightlife strip in Phuket on May 5.

Footage shows the gang of Americans - seen in the video wearing matching yellow mini dresses - walking barefoot along the Soi Seadragon road on the popular holiday island.

Police arrived at the scene after receiving a report at 3 am local time. They detained the tourists, identified by officials as Shanita Gloria Steen Johnson, 34, Destini Leann Moore, 24, Rhea Richardra Jones, 33, Rakerra Vanessa Bridges, 24, and Zandria Cyntretha Reed, 31, all from Florida.

Police Colonel Chalermchai Hirasawat, superintendent of the Patong Police Station, said: 'The transgender woman had hit them with an umbrella, sparking a fight that led to injuries. The Americans have met with investigators, while the Thai individual was sent to Patong Hospital. The investigation is ongoing.'

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.

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.