This is the breathtaking moment a wild elephant emerged on a road in the morning fog in northeastern Thailand.

The jumbo was seen slowly walking as thick, white mist swept through a forest road in Nakhon Ratchasima province’s Khao Yai National Park on July 19.

Onlooker Sornchai​ Autsinok​ was on a holiday in the region when he spotted the majestic creature while driving through the road.

He said: ‘I visited this national park to see the elephants living in the wild. I felt like all the travelling was worth it after seeing the elephant standing right in front of me.

‘Usually when I go to Khao Yai, I always hope to see an elephant and I did. The atmosphere that day also made me feel relaxed because I was tired from the driving.’

The animal lingered on the road for about 15 minutes before returning to the forest and disappearing behind trees looking for food.

Elephants are the national animal of Thailand. An estimated 2,000 elephants are living in the wild and a similar number in captivity.

In the wild, they roam through the deep jungle and in the country’s protected national parks but often encounter humans on roads and in villages. However, they are protected by laws and killing them carries a maximum prison term of up to three years and a fine of 1,000 baht (25GBP).