PHUKET: An expat Phuket resident and businessman who was bashed over the head with a hammer in an ambush by hooded attackers at his home has survived to tell his story to police.

Frenchman Eric Ghislain Raymond Seigneurin, 53, is recovering in hospital as police begin the search for the men who assaulted him.

Struck with a hammer that badly gashed his head soon after he parked his car at his bungalow in Moo 4, Cherng Talay, Mr Seigneurin was nevertheless able to tell police what had happened.

''The attack came about 12.25am yesterday morning,'' said an officer from the local police station. ''The victim told us there were at least two men, wearing white hoods and black t-shirts over bluejeans.

''We found a bloodstained hammer at the scene. We believe the men entered through the gate and fled over a wall.''

Mr Seigneurin's Thai wife, who was with him at the time, has also given an account to police.

There was no damage inside the house. Mr Seigneurin runs a restaurant and rooms for rent.

At this stage, police believe the attack came as the result of a business dispute. Mr Seigneurin is in Thalang Hospital.