Superstitious Thai locals are flocking to a giant elephant statue - to rub its mammoth PENIS.

The one-metre-long manhood - a symbol of male strength and virility in Buddhism - is believed to bring good luck to people who worship it.

It was built several months ago and following rumours that a local who touched the member won the lottery, more people have been visiting the statue in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, in recent weeks.

Local shaman, Khem, said that the figure was made from more than 600 Hopea Odorata plants, a sacred plant according to Thai beliefs.

He said: "We dug out the sacred plant from the Ping river, and made this marvellous statue. Rubbing on his holy member will bring good fortune. Tourists are welcome any time of the day, we are open 24 hours."

The Erawan Elephant statue, weighing 75,000 kg and around 50ft tall, is one of the largest three-headed elephant figures in the world that is made entirely from wood.

Devotees pray to the elephant gods while rubbing on the figure's manhood, which is believed to be a sign of fertility and strength.

The line on the underside of the shaft is believed to be the source of spiritual power and particularly lucky for people to touch.

Khem added: ''The statue is blessed and carries a lot of spiritual power. The penis is the special part.''