This is the dramatic moment a Hungarian tourist was arrested over reckless driving and threatening locals with a knife.

The male motorcycle rider, 54, who was not named by police, sparked alarm as he brandished his weapons in a drunken rampage in Loei, northeast Thailand.

He was seen waving a piece of wood at passing vehicles while zigzagging along a busy street at around 6 pm on June 15.

Shocked residents called the police to report that the Hungarian was lashing out at cars and chasing pedestrians with a knife.

Officers reportedly tried to block the man at a checkpoint in Chiang Khan district, but he sped away before they could stop him.

He was later caught driving along the Loei–Chiang Khan Road. Footage shows baton-wielding police dragging him off his motorcycle as he tried to resist arrest.

Police Sub-Lieutenant Winai Sophanit of the Chiang Khan Police Station said: ‘He is a 54-year-old Hungarian national who rode a motorcycle from Malaysia. A preliminary breathalyser test confirmed he was intoxicated.'

He added the Hungarian will face charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, and driving without regard for others' safety.

The tourist was detained at the police station for further legal proceedings.