A tourist rode a rented motorcycle on a beach, sparking panic among locals in Phuket.

The holidaymaker flouted local regulations as he thrashed the machine across the golden shores of Rawai Beach on the tropical island on Sunday.

Footage shows the driver coasting along on his two-wheeler before he became stuck in the sand.

He later had to call authorities to help retrieve the vehicle.

Driving on beaches is prohibited in Thailand and may result in fines. On June 14, a 22-year-old tourist paid a 5,000 Baht (116 GBP) in fines after he drove a rented jeep across Layi Beach in Phuket.

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.

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.

(1 GBP = 42.95 THB)