Mahout takes 'stressed' elephant for a bath in Thai river to cool off

A mahout was filmed taking his elephant to cool off during scorching temperatures in southern Thailand.

The 38-year-old jumbo named Bun Somwai was becoming irritable as temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius in Trang province.

Owner, Chertchai, 48, climbed on top of the pachyderm to lead him to a nearby stream where the elephant was much more relaxed after being submerged in the cool water.

Chertchai said: ''This elephant is a bit too old to work now but we still have to look after him. I noticed he was becoming stressed by the heat, so I took him to the river. He enjoyed it and was happy again after.''

The footage was captured on March 11.