This is the amusing moment pensioners played tug-of-war with an elephant in Thailand.

Dozens of housewives squared off against the jumbo named Boon Nam during a sports festival in Phang Nga on April 2.

Footage shows the retirees battling to pull the chain as the pachyderm took them on alone.

Despite the disadvantage in numbers, Boon Nam gained an early lead. However, it eventually lost to the determined locals.

The tusker's handlers later gave it a feast of fruits as a consolation prize.

The villagers also participated in sack races, land boat games, motocross, and blindfolded makeup contests during the festivities.

Elephants are Thailand's national animal and an important part of the country's 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.