Six plus-sized beauty contestants squared off against a young elephant in a bizarre eating contest in Thailand.

The jumbo models competed against the elephant Phang Orathai at an event on March 9 for the upcoming 'Miss Jumbo Queen' pageant in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Despite the women's best efforts to devour the spread of yams, bananas, and sugar canes, Phang Orathai trounced them with ease.

The 'Miss Jumbo Queen' beauty pageant is now in its sixth year and aims to promote local tourism and celebrate women of all shapes and sizes, organisers said.

Cisgender and transgender women weighing more than 80 kilos are allowed to join. The candidates will participate in assisting abused or sick elephants as the preliminary rounds will be held in six regions across Thailand.

Jitravadee Chutimantanon, president of the Miss Jumbo Queen pageant, said that contest activities will help fund a project called 'Bringing elephants back to their homeland'.

She said: 'This event is inclusive for all plus-sized women and transgender. It promotes animal welfare in a warm and fun way.

'With the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, all contestants in the final round will be presented 'Pak Thong Chai' silk, one of the Korat's identities, along with experiencing Korat's local wisdom during the contest period.'

The pageant winner will receive 300,000 baht (855 USD).