This naughty wild elephant filmed nicking hay from a passing lorry has become an internet sensation in Thailand.

It was filmed waiting on the side of a road that goes through the Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province, central Thailand.

As he senses something is not quite right, the driver of the lorry stops and the gigantic creature wastes no time in nabbing a bale.

It then kicks it apart, playfully flinging bits of it over his back before chomping on some as a snack.

The elephant was caught on camera stealing a bale from a passing lorry in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province

The animal holds up traffic, which is forced to wait behind the lorry as it takes the hay

As the male elephant plays with its food, the lorry driver cautiously drives off, followed by a stream of vehicles.

Park boss Kanchit Srinoppawan said he had asked an employee to go and buy the hay to help mark out the route for a marathon that was due to take place in the area.

He said he was surprised the elephant had picked exactly the right moment to wait by the road.

The truck was transporting the hay to use at a marathon due to take place in the area

After the deed is done, cars and motorbikes stream by as the creature plays with the hay

Park boss Kanchit Srinoppawan was impressed by the elephant's impeccable timing

Indian elephants like this one are free to roam around Khao Yai National Park.

Other famous encounters with them include one incident in January 2015 when an elephant crushed a car in a bid to mate with it.

Surprisingly, the Mercedes driver was pleased, saying it was a sign of good luck.

But in October that year a motorcyclist said he was lucky to have escaped with his life after being cornered by a herd of elephants.