Jumbo Santas add safety twist to 15-year school tradition

Playful pachyderms: Mahouts and their elephants handing out balloons to children during Christmas celebrations at the school in Ayutthaya. — AFP

ELEPHANTS 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 to 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.