A farmer was gored to death by his own buffalo in Thailand.

Niwat Kumma, 60, had left the farm animal leashed to a tree before he began untying it to take it grazing in Phayao, Thailand, on July 26.

However, the enraged creature suddenly charged at him, stabbing him in the chest with its horns.

Police Captain Jumpol Mueangma of the Chiang Kham Police Station arrived with medics and police officers when they received a report from Niwat's neighbours about the rampaging buffalo.

Authorities found Niwat lying unconscious beneath a longan tree. His face and torso had been 'torn up' from the attack, but he was still breathing when the rescue team arrived.

However, the crew had trouble picking him up because of the crazed animal lunging at them whenever they approached.

Officers managed to drag Niwat away while the buffalo was distracted, but he had tragically died from his grave injuries.

Police Captain Jumpol said: 'The deceased was taking the buffalo out for a drink. But when it saw its owner, it pounced and gored him until he fell. The buffalo may have become agitated because it was thirsty from the hot weather.'