This helpful pet Labrador has endeared himself to local vendors as he roams markets carrying a basket to ask for temple donations.

The black male pooch named Kluay Ping, 10, has become a familiar sight among stallholders at the Maeklong Railway Market in Samut Songkhram, Thailand for soliciting donations for the local temple.

Villagers said they often saw Kluay Ping strolling alongside his owner Ananya Santisuttipornchai, 50, who regularly asks for contributions for the construction of an ordination hall at the Wat Bang Khae Yai temple.

He also asks for alms during the annual Buddhist Kathin ceremony, when residents give offerings to monks.

To reward him for his hard work, affectionate vendors will donate their small change, then give Kluay Ping treats like grilled bananas as treats.

Ananya said the senior Labrador has been helping the monks for around 10 years now, along with three other dogs that live at the temple.

She said: 'Kluai Ping has been raised at the temple since he was a puppy. To welcome tourists, there are four dogs, and all of them are the same age at around 10 years old.

'There are three Labradors - Kluay Ping, his older sister Kluay Hom, and his younger sister Chao Kuay. There is also a Bangkaew dog, Buakaw.

'Kluay Ping is very friendly, so all the villagers love him and give him treats. He has grown so chubby because of it. We took him to the vet, and he is now forbidden from eating too many snacks or he could get diabetes.'

Ananya said Kluay Ping's fans can show their support by placing money in the donation basket instead.