This is the dramatic moment a hero Frenchman saved a local from a raging river in Thailand.

David Nonce Leopold Poggi, 52, plunged into the Chao Phraya River after spotting the Thai woman struggling in the fast-moving current on Wednesday.

The woman, believed to be around 30, was seen on CCTV climbing over the fence before allegedly throwing herself into the water in Chainat.

Onlookers screamed for help as she was swept downstream, with David and a passing motorcycle rider, Theeraphong Makphokha, racing over to help her.

The pair dragged the woman to safety, and she was handed over to relatives who took her to the hospital.

The Frenchman, from Marseille, said he was sitting in front of his house when he heard people yelling for help.

Speaking in Thai, he said: 'The woman was floating, but she looked exhausted and close to drowning. I jumped into the river with another man who helped by using a lifebuoy.

'I decided to help because I saw a fellow human being in need. When you see someone in trouble, you have to act.'

'Furthermore, French people are good swimmers and love water sports. When it comes to swimming, I can tell you it's very easy for us.'