This is the terrifying moment an angry wild elephant rammed a wildlife ranger's car with its tusks.

The rampaging jumbo named Plai Biang Yai sparked panic when it roamed close to villagers' homes in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand on July 19.

Wildlife officers said they were aware that Plai Biang Yai was notorious for being aggressive and unafraid of humans. They arrived at the scene to drive away the elephants before it could wreak havoc in homes.

Footage shows staff driving a car with a local family in the back while bellowing at Plai Biang Yai to scare him away at around 9:50 pm.

The male elephant was seen backing away before charging towards the officers, trumpeting a loud battle cry as it rammed their vehicle. The wild animal then retreated into the forest without causing further damage.

Staff said the car's bumper was damaged, but no one was injured during the encounter. A picture shows the smashed grill and bent bonnet.

They suspected that Plai Biang Yai became angry after its companion, Plai Biang Lek, was driven out of the same area earlier.

Wildlife officer Danai said: 'We weren't expecting the bull to ram us. He has become less afraid of humans. He has the courage to attack, so we're monitoring his movements closely to prevent him from getting too close to villages.'

The officers said they drove away six elephants, including Plai Biang Yai and Plai Biang Lek, that had escaped wandered out of the forest inside the Khao Yai National Park.

As of 2023, there are an estimated 3,084-3,500 wild elephants in Thailand. The population has been increasing in recent years, but it is still a fraction of the estimated 300,000 wild elephants that lived in Thailand at the beginning of the 20th century. The main threats to wild elephants in Thailand are habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and conflict with humans.