This is the moment an Australian tourist allegedly hid stolen cannabis in his underwear before fleeing a shop in Phuket.

The holidaymaker and his mates were browsing the cannabis dispensary when he allegedly stole a pack of marijuana on May 26.

CCTV footage shows the rowdy tourists entering the shop and checking the display.

While the shopkeeper was distracted, the suspect - seen in the video wearing a black jersey with the number 8 on the back - was said to have plucked the cannabis from the counter.

He allegedly stashed it away in his underpants before leaving the store.

Police were alerted to the alleged theft after the owner, Chatchai Tanamas, reported that several products were missing.

Officers reviewed the security footage and identified the suspect, who was arrested on May 29.

A police spokesman said: 'The investigation unit, together with Phuket Immigration Bureau, arrested an Australian man for stealing marijuana.'

Shop owner Chatchai adeed: 'The cannabis didn't cost much, but I wanted to pursue legal action to teach the culprits a lesson.'

Officials did not clarify what charges the Aussie would face. Under Section 335, committing theft at night may be punished with jail of up to five years, and a fine betwen 20,000 and 100,000 baht.

Thailand was among the first Asian nations to decriminalise marijuana, though the lack of regulations caused a surge in unregulated sales and use, especially in tourist areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.

Government officials are now seeking to outlaw recreational cannabis use by requiring medical certificates to purchase the drug.

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.