This police officer in this video provides an exceptional example of how to calm a potentially explosive, violent situation.

A man, armed with a large knife, enters the Huay Kwang police station in Thailand - but instead of being 'banged up in Bangkok' he is met with a huge hug from officer Anirut Malee.

The 45-year-old assailant had entered the station on Saturday night, the incident was caught on CCTV and the video was shared online.

He has a knife but Hero officer Anirut sits down very calmly opposite him with relaxed, slumped shoulders and very non-confrontational body language.

He quickly convinces the assailant to hand over the knife.

When he does, the policeman throws the knife away and approaches the assailant – arms outstretched and embraces the man with a giant hug.

A man, armed with a large knife, enters the Huay Kwang police station in Thailand - but instead of being 'banged up in Bangkok' he is met with a huge hug from officer Anirut Malee

He continues to hug him for a few moments as other people start to gather around.

The assailant then sits quietly on the chair and appears to thank the officer.

Anirut told Thai Visa News: 'He used to be a musician but had been working as a security guard for three days and had not been paid. On top of this he had had his guitar stolen and it was all stressing him out.

Officer Anirut Malee quickly convinces the assailant to hand over the knife

'I heard him out and sympathized and said I had a guitar to give him, and suggested we go out for a meal together. We were conversing in Southern Thai dialect'.

The cop was praised online for his sensible actions.

The unnamed assailant was sent to a hospital for an evaluation of his mental state and no charges were reported.