A Swedish tourist was rescued by Thai police after nearly drowning while swimming in the sea.

Magnus Maks Malm Lonnqvist, 46, was seen swimming seemingly intoxicated in the ocean near Koh Phi Phi Island in Krabi, Thailand, on December 23.

Police officers and locals intervened to bring him back to safety.

Police Colonel Surasak Jaidee, superintendent of Koh Phi Phi Police Station, dispatched patrol officers after receiving reports of a drunk foreigner swimming in the sea and causing disturbances for boat operators.

Footage shows Magnus swimming near local boats, refusing to return to the shore despite nearly an hour of persuasion by the officers.

As the tourist grew visibly tired and risked drowning, officers and locals acted to rescue him, bringing him safely back to the coast.

The officials then placed him on a trolley and escorted him off the beach.

Colonel Surasak said: 'The tourist was in danger as he was swimming in an area frequented by passing boats, which posed a significant risk of accidents. He was also becoming exhausted.'

'We can't let these tourists in danger, and we make sure that they enjoy their stay here safely. However, we request them to drink responsibly,' he added.

After the rescue, Magnus reportedly rested at the police station before being escorted back to his accommodation.

On November 29, officers from Koh Phi Phi Police Station had assisted two other tourists, a 23-year-old German and a 19-year-old Australian, who were found drunk and unconscious after partying with friends. Both were safely transported back to their accommodations using a trolley.