This is the amusing moment an Asian black bear flopped into a poo9l to cool off as temperatures soared to 34 degrees Celsius in Thailand.

Footage shows the bear named James plunging into the water to swim inside his enclosure at the Phu Khiao Wildlife Breeding Center in Chaiyaphum province on May 4.

In another clip, James apparently enjoyed swimming so much that he sat right where the water was being sprayed.

His caretaker said: ‘James has been taken under the breeding centre after his mother was hunted and shot.’

The male Asian bear had been living at the facility since 2007 after being rescued at the Nam Nao National Park in Phetchabun province.

The summer period or dry season in Thailand usually starts in March and lasts until June. Temperatures rise to the mid-thirties across the country.