Police removed tourists from a beach in Thailand after they ignored warnings from lifeguards about the rough sea.

Footage shows officers blowing their whistles as they ordered holidaymakers to return to the shore of Kata Beach on tropical island Phuket.

Strong winds were whipping through the area, churning up the ocean and masking deadly rip currents.

Police Senior Sergeant Major Teerasak Rakkhai of the Phuket Provincial Police said lifeguards called for help when stubborn visitors refused to listen to them.

He said: 'The waves are heavy, but the tourists don't listen. Red flags were placed in a long line, but tourists still don't follow the warnings.

‘Police had to warn them and chase them out of the sea. I do not know their nationality, but most of them were Russian.

‘I would like tourists to pay attention to the flags, signs, and warnings from lifeguards to prevent casualties.'

On August 25, Yemeni tourists allegedly attacked a lifeguard after he warned them not to swim in dangerous seas at Nai Han Beach in Phuket.

The lifeguard named Natthakit suffered injuries and lodged a complaint with the police.

Beach drownings are a recurring safety concern in Thailand, especially in tourist hotspots like Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi. The deaths are often attributed to strong rip currents, lack of swimming skills, and disregard for warning signage.

The waters are most dangerous during the country's rainy monsoon season, when red flags are placed on beaches to warn of dangerous sea conditions.