This is the shocking moment a drunk Australian man knocked out another tourist in Phuket.

The Aussie, identified by police only as Liam, chugged alcohol on the busy holiday island, in the early hours of May 16.

He was walking with his friends when he charged at a male tourist along Bangla Road, a notorious strip of bars that has become known for its street fights.

Footage shows a furious Liam, seen wearing a sling bag, gesturing wildly as his friends tried to hold him back.

The rampaging man then charged through the crowd before launching a knockout blow that left a man sprawled on the pavement. Other bargoers battled to pin down the out-of-control Aussie as staff dispersed the crowd.

Police arrived but Liam had already left. He was later found staggering and rambling in front of an ATM.

Officers hauled him to the police station to sober up.

Police Lieutenant Chanant Mekchai of the Patong Police said: ‘The tourist was arrested but he was not carrying a passport.

'The matter has been settled. The tourist who was assaulted does not wish to press charges. We will not provide any further information.'

Authorities said another fight broke out along the same 350-metre street just hours later.

Disgruntled residents said the brawls have become an almost nightly occurence in the area, earning it the title 'Bangla Stadium'.

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.