Police have arrested a suspect in the death of a British tourist struck by a stray bullet at a New Year's beach party on a popular Thai island.

Police Col. Krittakarn Kramomthong said on Wednesday that 22-year-old Stephen David Ashton was shot in his torso on early Tuesday morning and died at a hospital.

He said police arrested a 26-year-old Thai man and confiscated his pistol. The suspect is expected to be charged with manslaughter.

Police said Ashton was among many locals and foreigners reveling at a New Year's beach party on Koh Pa Ngan when a brawl started between two groups of young Thais with guns.