A large herd of wild elephants triggered a road closure after crossing a highway in east Thailand, reportedly blocking the path to motorists for more than 40 minutes.

An estimated 65 jumbos - including some smaller calves - were captured on CCTV emerging from the forest near the Khao Ang Rue Nai forest in Chachoengsao province on September 28.

Two enormous matriarchs led the group, with the younger members following closely behind them, while six male elephants appeared to guard the rear end of the herd.

Villagers living nearby have reportedly complained about the creatures walking into their property and destroying their crops.

Officials believe a soaring elephant population is to blame, as more mouths to feed have allegedly pushed the animals to venture outside the sanctuary.

Elephants are the national animal of Thailand. 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).