A hero train driver rescued a disabled dog lying on railroad tracks in Thailand.

The worker spotted the handicapped pooch unable to walk in the middle of the railway in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on June 22. As the hapless animal could not stand on its own, he stopped the locomotive and gently carried the canine to a safer area several metres away.

It was later found by a local named Soontaree Iderfjell, who took it to a veterinary hospital to be checked.

The dog, which has been named Rot Fai meaning 'train' in the local language, was confined for more than a week and reportedly had a backbone injury after being hit by a car.

Resident Waiyawat, who is monitoring the stray's condition, said it will have to stay at the vet for a while until its health improves.

Waiyawat said: 'The train driver was caring to stop and move the dog to safety. We will take care of him and pray for his recovery.

'He has lost his appetite because of the injury but we believe it will return slowly and he can get his strength back.'