Bangkok - Whether stressed out, frisky or just craving a snack, wild bull elephants have been causing havoc in a Thai national park, shocking visitors by stomping on cars and raiding restaurants.
In the latest incident early on Monday a 30-year-old elephant named "Duan", "amputated" in Thai, on account of his damaged tail, destroyed a small restaurant because he was apparently unable to resist the aroma of cooking food.
"He wanted to get salt, sugar and other seasoning. He likes them," Kanchit Srinoppawan, head of Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand, told AFP on Tuesday.
The giant pachyderm needs the minerals along with the 200 kilogram (440 lbs) daily food intake, he added.
In the most startling incident another male elephant stomped on the bonnet of an occupied car with his front two legs, before momentarily sitting on the vehicle.
The car was among dozens visiting the park on Saturday, Thailand's Children's Day.