PATTAYA, Thailand (AP) -- Short shrieks, high-pitched yelps, and drawn-out wails rang out in Thailand at an international competition aimed at setting a new record for the loudest scream.

Russian Sergey Savelyev chimed in at 116.8 decibels -- roughly as loud as an ambulance siren -- to win Saturday's competition in the seaside town of Pattaya.

His effort fell short of breaking the 129-decibel Guinness World Record for the loudest scream set in 2000 in London.

"I was only getting warmed up," said 33-year-old Savelyev, who said he'll be back next year to compete in the competition hosted by Thailand's Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

The Russian, who walked away with a check for $900, was one of 11 finalists from a field of 1,500 competitors.

Various strategies for revving up the vocal cords had contestants twisting their bodies and even throwing themselves on the ground.

"I just want to be a good actor," said Trirat Yongbreungsa, a part-time English teacher and beauty salon worker from Pattaya. "I screamed very loudly, but the acting was more fun."