An electric car burst into flames while charging outside an office building in Thailand.

The vehicle was plugged into a charging station when the blaze erupted in Khon Kaen province.

Dramatic footage shows thick smoke billowing onto the street as the fire engulfed the car on Wednesday.

Neighbours rushed to the scene with fire extinguishers and garden hoses, dousing the flames before firefighters arrived. The inferno was brought under control but had caused extensive damage.

Shop owner Phenporn Butprom, 39, said she was on the building's third floor with her two children when the fire broke out.

She said: 'I only realised what was happening when a neighbour warned me. My two children and I stayed inside until the fire was put out and we could get out safely.'

Phenporn added that the blaze had caused 500,000 to 600,000 baht (11,468 to 13,762 GBP) in damages after it scorched a nearby motorcycle, several products displayed in front of the building, and the charging station.

Police said they were investigating if the fire was caused by an electric short circuit.