A Ukip MEP has apologised after she described a Thai constituent and party supporter as "a ting tong from somewhere".

Janice Atkinson, an MEP for the south of England, apologised to Fa Munday for using the words, which are used colloquially in Thai to describe a mentally ill person. It was also the name of a Thai transsexual character played by Matt Lucas in the BBC1 comedy Little Britain.

Atkinson made the remarks after recording an interview with BBC South East Today on Friday. The MEP was still wearing a microphone after being filmed meeting local people and Ukip members in Ramsgate, Kent.

Atkinson was heard to say of the filming: "So that was good. We got Fa who's, I don't know, she's a ting tong from somewhere."

Munday told the BBC: "I'm from Thailand. I'm married to an Englishman and now I'm British. No one has ever spoken about me like that before."

Her husband, Vincent Munday, who is also a Ukip supporter, said: "I don't think Ukip are a racist party, but that comment certainly wasn't the brightest thing I've ever heard."

Atkinson said: "I deeply regret the words I used and am incredibly sorry. It was poor judgment and naivety on my part rather than words spoken with any malice. I am devastated that I have caused hurt and apologise profusely to both Mr and Mrs Munday."

A Ukip spokesman said: "Janice has apologised for the words she used. Ukip in no way condones the use of language that may reflect prejudice or cause offence and we sincerely hope this matter can be resolved privately."