Elephant Santas pass out face masks, hand gel in Thai school tradition

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Elephants in Thailand wearing Santa hats and surgical masks passed out hand gel, face masks and balloons to students at a school's annual Christmas party, a Covid-era twist on a 15-year tradition in the Buddhist majority country.

“I'm so excited because an event like this only happens once a year and I think my school is the only place with elephant Santas,” said elementary school student, Beyapha Mhonsuwan.

“We know students have been stressed because of online classes, so we are hoping this event can make them happy and encourage them to come to school,” said the event's organiser, Reangrhongbaht Meepan from the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace.

Mahouts and their elephants prepare to take part in Christmas celebrations at the Jirasart Witthaya school in Ayutthaya. — AFP
Mahouts and their elephants prepare to take part in Christmas celebrations at the Jirasart Witthaya school in Ayutthaya. — AFP

An elephant hands out gifts to children during Christmas celebrations at the Jirasart Witthaya school in Ayutthaya. — AFP
An elephant hands out gifts to children during Christmas celebrations at the Jirasart Witthaya school in Ayutthaya. — AFP

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