Photos: Elephant Santas deliver face masks in Thailand

Thai authorities are urging extra caution after its worst outbreak over the weekend

Published: December 23, 2020 14:33 Reuters and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

1 of 10

Santa Claus gave his sleigh and reindeer a break on Wednesday and rode elephants in Thailand during a special Christmas visit aimed at raising awareness about the threat of the coronavirus. Image Credit: REUTERS

2 of 10

White-bearded handlers in floppy hats and Santa outfits sat atop elephants decked out in tinsel and trunk masks in the central province of Ayutthaya, distributing protective masks in baskets to schoolchildren, motorcyclists and drivers passing by. Image Credit: REUTERS

3 of 10

"They are funny and they are lovely. I think they are so cute," said elementary student Laksaporn Loetpiriyakamol. Image Credit: REUTERS

4 of 10

The elephants have been paying year-end visits to schools in the area for two decades and normally give out gifts like candy and toys using their trunks Image Credit: REUTERS

5 of 10

A student receives a face mask from an elephant dressed as Santa Claus. Image Credit: REUTERS

6 of 10

This year, the pachyderms were social distancing, staying outside the schools and used their trunks to offer the face masks in baskets instead. Image Credit: REUTERS

7 of 10

"These four elephants want to represent Thai Santa Claus to encourage people to wear masks, wash their hands and follow government instructions," said Itthi Pankhawlamai, who manages a local elephant park. Image Credit: REUTERS

8 of 10

"I'm a little bit excited and sad because the elephants can't go into the school," said Pacharamon Sukphiromsanti, 12, who came out to greet the elephants at the gates. Image Credit: REUTERS

9 of 10

Mahouts dress an elephant as Santa Claus to help distribute face mask to students. Image Credit: REUTERS

10 of 10

Thai authorities are urging extra caution after its worst outbreak was confirmed at the weekend, at a seafood centre near Bangkok, with cases since detected in about a quarter of the country's provinces. Image Credit: REUTERS

Photos News

Photos: Elephant Santas deliver face masks in Thailand

More From Photos

Philippines: OFW on vacation wins Php37-million lottery jackpot with father’s numbers

Death of foreign tourists: What is methanol poisoning?

IFFI Goa 2024 kicks off: Shekhar Kapur, R. Sarathkumar, and Bollywood star Ishaan Khatter shine on opening night

Pakistan sets strict rules against Umrah visa misuse

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Photos: Elephant Santas deliver face masks in Thailand

More From Photos

Philippines: OFW on vacation wins Php37-million lottery jackpot with father’s numbers

Death of foreign tourists: What is methanol poisoning?

IFFI Goa 2024 kicks off: Shekhar Kapur, R. Sarathkumar, and Bollywood star Ishaan Khatter shine on opening night

Pakistan sets strict rules against Umrah visa misuse

GULFNEWS SECTIONS