A WILD elephant has been caught on video climbing onto a car last Saturday in a Thailand national park.

In the video, the animal can be seen walking onto the road and putting its front legs on the bonnet of a car before "mounting" it, the BBC reported.

The elephant was reported to have escaped from Khao Yai National Park near the Thai capital of Bangkok earlier that day, according to ABC News.

Park chief Kanchit Srinoppawan attributed the elephant's curious behaviour to the mating season, ABC reported.

On Monday, an elephant also similarly attacked a shop and a restaurant in the park, the BBC reported. Officials could not confirm if it was the same elephant, it added.

The Khao Yai National Park is the third-largest in Thailand, with an area of 300 sq km.

The Asian elephant is a national symbol of Thailand, and appeared on its national flag until 1917.