A 28-year-old British man has drowned after jumping into the sea in the Thai resort town of Pattaya after being chased by a group of Thai men wielding sticks and knives, police said Monday.

The man, and two other Britons aged, 29 and 30, leapt into Pattaya Bay late Sunday morning after being chased through a restaurant by several Thai men who they had argued with the previous night.

A fishing boat was only able to rescue the victim's two companions.

Police said the Thai men alleged the British trio were drunk and had destroyed property in a hotel in the early hours of Sunday, prompting the argument and chase when the two groups again met several hours later.

No arrests have been made so far in connection with the incident.

Thailand's image as the "Land of Smiles" has been tarnished in recent years by deadly political unrest, devastating floods, and concerns about violent crimes against foreigners.

Pattaya, around two hours south of Bangkok, is one of the kingdom's tourist hubs and is renowned for prostitution and its wild, alcohol-fuelled nightlife.