Two Russian men have been arrested for spray-painting graffiti on a footpath and a restaurant sign in Phuket.

The pair were taken into custody from a dormitory on Thaweewong road in Patong about 4pm on Monday.

Local police were informed about 9pm on March 23 that two foreigners had spray-painted the letters HRDSHT on a footpath kerb already painted red and white to show a no-parking zone.

The two men also allegedly spray-painted a restaurant sign at an intersection in Patong the same night.

A video of the graffiti writers at work was posted online and drew social media criticism. The two spray-painters were seen leaving on a motorcycle.

Police tracked them and found their motorcycle parked in front of a dormitory on Thaweewong Road, where they were arrested.

During questioning, the two men allegedly admitted to the charges, saying they had been drinking. They apologised for their actions.

They two were charged with vandalism.