This is the heartwarming moment a Good Samaritan gave a ride to a pet owner refused by a bus in Thailand.

Apichan Singhaseni was driving to his date palm garden when he noticed the villager walking under the blistering heat in Phetchabun province, on April 9.

The backpack-carrying man was cradling in his arms an unkempt Shih Tzu as he trudged along the dusty highway with the sun beating down on him.

Kind-hearted Apichan said he stopped to give the villager some water, and learned he was headed to the nearest train station 100 kilometres (60 miles) away.

The man explained he was from Udon Thani and had just finished a two-week welding job. However, he was turned away on the bus ride home as his pet dog Nemo was not allowed on the public transport vehicle.

Taking pity on the pair, Apichan offered to give them a ride on the back of his pickup truck. He dropped them off at the train station and wished them good luck on the rest of their journey.

The Good Samaritan said: 'After hearing his story, I felt so sorry for him. He cared so deeply for his pet dog that he was willing to make such a difficult trip on foot. I couldn't leave him behind because I was worried he would collapse in the midday heat.

'His destination was out of the way, but it was worth it to take him there. I hope they both made it home safely.'