Hundreds of tourists are stranded on the popular Thai resort island of Koh Samui following a torrential downpour.

Flights from the island have been suspended indefinitely, with a number of British tourists among those affected.

Five days of rain have prompted the closure of the only airport, with many passengers forced to spend the night in the terminal.

Roads on the island are also impassable.

The British Foreign Office issued a warning to travellers

“Heavy rainfall has caused flooding along the southern coast of Thailand.

“Affected provinces include Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Surat Thani, Phattalung, Chumphon, Trang and Satun. 

“Nakhon Sri Thammarat airport is temporarily closed and flights suspended due to runway flooding.”

Some 850,000 British tourists visit Thailand each year, with many heading to the idyllic island.