A stingray appeared to smile as it interacted with aquarium visitors in Thailand.

Footage shows the marine animal with curved mouth exploring the glass at the edge of a tank in Aquaria Phuket on October 5.

It swam to the surface opening and closing its mouth while seemingly having a happy facial expression.

Delighted tourists watched outside as it glided along the water with the other fish.

Tourist Piyanut Petmongconchai said: 'The stingray was very cheerful and friendly to strangers. It stayed close where there were people.'

The appearance of a smile on a stingray's face is often due to the shape of its mouth, which is located on the underside of its body. When people see a stingray from underneath, the curved shape of its mouth can give the illusion of a smile.