This is the heartwarming moment a kind traffic enforcer jumped down a manhole to rescue a litter of puppies that fell inside.

Police Captain Wittaya Petch-arwut of the Muang Trang Police Station was returning to the traffic centre after his shift when he heard the mutts crying in the street in Trang province, Thailand, on July 28.

He and the other officers traced the sound to a half-covered manhole on the pavement.

Footage shows the selfless policeman climbing down the five-foot-deep hole to lift the four puppies to safety one by one.

He said: 'I am happy because I offered well wishes for the birthday of the king, and right after, I was able to do a good deed by saving the puppies. I hope to continue doing good deeds to honour our glorious saviour, the king.'

Thailand celebrated the 72nd birthday of King Vajiralongkorn on Sunday, July 28. The occassion was marked by barge processions, candlelight rallies, and a speech from the king himself.