A Russian tourist had to be rescued when he jumped from a boat into the sea in Thailand.
The holidaymaker who was allegedly drunk was visiting islands on a day trip with friends when he ignored warnings from their guide in Phuket on January 15.
Despite being told that the area was unsafe due to strong currents and passing boats, the hard-headed foreigner hopped off the vessel to enjoy swimming.
Footage shows the tourist swimming towards the boat as he was almost left behind. Guide Khanchit Klingklip said he hopped off the boat without telling anyone.
Khanchit said: 'The tourist and his friends asked me to stop the boat but I told them it was a risky area to swim. The current was strong and there were passing boats.
'I already gave them time to swim before that. He intentionally threw his hat into the sea and dived to get it without letting anyone know.'
The boat had to wait for the Russian man to swim back to the boat that stopped when Khanchit noticed the allegedly drunk passenger was gone.
He said: 'He was lucky we found out immediately. He could have drowned and everyone would be in trouble. The tour company, the boat, the guide, and the captain would be in trouble.'
Thai government implemented a visa-free scheme to boost tourism revenue in Phuket but the policy has sparked outrage among locals claiming it has attracted crowds of 'low-quality' visitors to Thailand.
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