A rampaging Russian tourist blocked boats from mooring at a pier on a Thai island.

The catarman owner sparked panic when he whipped out a knife and reportedly threatened to cut the ropes of passing boats off the idyllic Koh He, near Phuket.

Footage shows the man shouting with a knife in hand as he walked on the deck of his vessel, VIMALA, on October 19.

Marine and Tourist Police later questioned the tourist, who claimed he made the threats because he was afraid other boats would hit his.

An inspection found that the Russian was staying legally in Thailand and had valid ownership documents.

The Phuket Marine Office said mooring buoys were installed in the area for various purposes, including to protect corals, mark boundaries, and organise safe mooring.

It added that the Russian man has been warned that the area is for public use.

The office said: 'Threatening others is inappropriate behaviour. If it happens again and there are complainants, legal action will be taken.'

The once-pristine region 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.