A Chinese tourist was arrested after allegedly groping a female intern's bottom at a zoo in Thailand.

The male visitor emerged from the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium and reportedly fondled the student as she was feeding turtles in a hallway exhibit.

CCTV footage shows the man sidling up to the intern before appearing to squeeze her buttocks.

The furious girl and a zookeeper followed the tourist as they tried to scold him, but he carried on strutting nonchalantly out of the area.

The man was later detained and taken to the Bhubing Rajanives district station. However, he was not carrying any IDs, claiming he had forgotten them at his hotel.

He was said to have been incoherent and pretended to be sick to escape questioning.

A police spokesman said: 'The police are preparing to take him to inspect the room before proceeding with further interrogation and pressing charges.

'The intern and management of the Chiang Mai Aquarium confirmed that they will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.'

Thailand last year welcomed more than 6.73 million Chinese tourists, making China the largest source of international visitors in 2024.

Though Chinese arrivals have declined sharply this year over security concerns and more competition, Thai tourism chiefs are continuing efforts to court the Chinese market.