This is the moment a wild elephant stops passing cars to rummage through them for food.

The jumbo sparked panic when it wandered onto the road in Phetchaburi on Wednesday afternoon (April 15).

It stopped a green Isuzu before grabbing loose vegetables from the back and stuffing them into its mouth.

Footage from a second driver shows how the elephant then stomped over to the other cars that had pulled over to avoid startling it.

The beast's leathery skin and huge white tusks can be seen as it passed within a couple of inches of the car window then reached into the back with its trunk.

Motorist Janjira Ruererng, who was travelling with his partner, said: ''The elephant checked all of the cars thoroughly. It picked up pieces of food from some but we didn't have anything in the back so it walked away and went to the next car.

''I wasn't afraid. I know that it's best to stay calm, because panic and loud noises will scare them.

''It was amazing to be so close to an elephant in the wild. They're beautiful animals.''

There are an estimated 2,000 that live in the wild in Thailand and park rangers believe that many have evolved by learning how to steal food from vehicles when they are hungry.

National Parks Officer Amnouy Artchula said: ''The elephants know very well how to stop the passing cars to get food, even if they are not given permission from the drivers.''

Footage of a similar situation taken last month showed an elder elephant appearing to teach a younger relative how to steal food from cars.