An Australian tourist was injured when debris fell from a condominium in Pattaya.

Paul Dennis Smith, 56, was walking through the car park as large concrete panels collapsed from the high-rise building in the seaside tourist city on May 28.

The falling shim plates reportedly smashed onto the steel canopy of a pool seating area, sparing the guest from Canberra a direct hit.

He was struck by large rocks as the decorative structure shattered upon hitting the ground.

Paramedics arrived and found the Aussie bleeding from head and leg injuries. They applied first aid before rushing him to a hospital.

Several parked motorcycles were also damaged.

Police Colonel Anek Sathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, said: ‘I have personally inspected the scene and ordered the inquiry officer to conduct an investigation.

'We believe the panels were already damaged before the incident, but did not undergo repairs until they collapsed.'

Thai resident Weeraphol, 59, said he was paddling in the condo swimming pool when the debris crashed down from above.

He said: 'The concrete panels first hit the roof above the pool chairs. Everyone was panicking and running. I was also scared and got out of the pool as quickly as I could.'

District chief Pacharapatch Srithanyanon said city engineers have inspected the condo and found it to be structurally stable.

He added: 'This condominium is a 45-storey building with more than 1,000 units. It was built around eight years ago and managed by a juristic person.

'High-rise constructions like this fall under the Building Control Act, and Pattaya City has a team of technicians and engineers responsible for inspections.

'After the earthquake that caused the State Audit Office building to collapse, this condo was also checked for stability. The shim plate that fell was more of a decorative feature. Over time, it may have deteriorated, leading to the incident.'

However, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said he was concerned about the three remaining plates left on the building's facade.

Condo manager Suwit Chaisattra said the area has been cordoned off for safety, and residents have been advised to stay clear as the other concrete panels were set to be dismantled.

He added that building management have vowed to shoulder Paul's medical expenses and were constantly monitoring his condition.