A thirsty elephant stopped by the roadside to receive water from a hose pipe.

Footage shows the jumbo carrying its caretaker on its back while eagerly sipping from the flowing stream in Sisaket province, Thailand.

The elephant lifted its trunk to drink, enjoying the refreshing break under the hot afternoon on June 20.

Its caretaker remained riding its back while they paused for a brief break, allowing the animal to cool off and rehydrate.

Onlooker Chatchai Thongthip said: 'The elephant was asking for water, so it was given some.'

Elephants are Thailand's national animal and an important part of its culture and history. In the past, they were used for farming, logging, and even fighting wars.

Some elephants still live in the wild, but many are in captivity, working in tourism or living in sanctuaries. Because logging was banned and tourism has changed, many elephants are now kept in sanctuaries where they are protected and cared for.