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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.
"They are funny and they are lovely. I think they are so cute,"
said elementary student Laksaporn Loetpiriyakamol.
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.
This year, the pachyderms were social distancing, staying
outside the schools and used their trunks to offer the face
masks in baskets instead.
"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.
"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.
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.
(Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Karishma Singh)
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