A missing British pensioner feared dead after failing to return from a canoe trip in Thailand has been found - but is refusing to go home.

Michael Smith 'disappeared' on Tuesday morning, sparking a massive search operation involving coast guards, police and scuba divers.

But the 74-year-old was discovered almost two days later, camping on the uninhabited Ko Chorakhe, also known as 'Crocodile Island'.

Mr Smith sparked fears he had drowned in treacherous waters off the Thai coast after he took a plastic canoe out to sea.
Michael Smith was discovered camping on the dangerous island (
Image:
Viral Press)
Mr Smith said he did not need rescuing and was enjoying the island lifestyle (
Image:
Viral Press)

His worried friends alerted police the next day who started a massive search operation in Chumphon province, Thailand.

After a day of frantic searching, a team tracked down Michael seven miles from the coast.

He had set up camp on Crocodile Island, known for its rough waters and dangerous rocks which have wrecked a number of fishing boats.

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The pensioner - who was using using a blanket as a tent and hanging his clothes from trees - refused to be rescued and said was enjoying the desert island lifestyle.

Rescuers eventually left him and returned to the mainland but asked local fishermen to keep a look out until they could return and persuade him to leave.
Worried pals alerted police when he did not return home from a canoe trip (
Image:
Viral Press)
A search party battled treacherous waters to find Mr Smith (
Image:
Viral Press)

Watcharin Suwipis, Head of Marine Rescue, said Michael had told him he was ''happy and comfortable'' on the deadly island.

Watcharin said: ''The speedboat and divers made an urgent rescue operation when the British man was reported missing.

''He was found on Crocodile Island, which is seven miles from land and about one hour by speedboat.

''The island is small and rocks make it uninhabitable. Usually nobody dares to stay there, and during storms the wrecks of fishing boats have been found floating there.

''Mr Michael was camping under bushes next to rocks and he said he was happy and felt comfortable. He was determined to go to sleep on the island.''
The island is seven miles from the mainland (
Image:
Viral Press)
Authorities asked fishermen to keep a look out (
Image:
Viral Press)

Watcharin said the light was fading quickly and staff felt that trying to evacuate Michael against his will at night time was too risky.

He added: ''The man promised that he would return in the morning so we let him stay on the island as he desired.''

Maj. Sathien Chaisawat, Inspector of Chumphon Police Station, said officials were first notified by Michael's 63-year-old friend Colin, also British, about the missing man.

He added: ''The man had been lost for two days and we were told that this was his first time sailing in a canoe.

"He had not returned to his accommodation and could not be contacted. A rescue team with divers was dispatched.''