AYUTTHAYA, Thailand — 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.
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 o…
Keep on reading: Santa rides elephants to Thai town, bearing gifts of face masks