Jetski operators shoot each other on Koh Samui beach

Two rival jetski operators in the Thai tourist hotspot of Koh Samui shot each other in front of holidaymakers on a popular beach.

Soontree Chaipet, 45, and Tinapot Petcharat, 26, started arguing on Chaweng Beach on Tuesday over whose turf it was.

The fight escalated and both men were shot.

Petcharat later died in hospital, while Chaipet is in a critical condition.

"Both sides are involved in the business of renting jet skis on the beach and they took up a duel with each other," Police Major General Apichat Boonsaree told The Sun.

"They were both carrying guns and we understand that they had many arguments with each other before."

Jetskis photographed on Chaweng Beach. (Instagram)

Photos from the scene showed both men lying in a heap in a pool of blood on the beach.

Police recovered a silver revolver and a black 9mm handgun from the scene.

Chaipet will be interviewed by police when he is in a good enough condition to speak.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told nine.com.au it was not aware if any Australians were affected in the shooting.

The beachside resort town is very popular with Australian tourists.