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Elephants Dress Up as Santa Claus Hand Out Candy to Thai Kids

Published December 23rd, 2019 - 12:54 GMT

Elephants were dressed up as Santa Claus to give out presents and candy to students in Thailand in an annual Christmas tradition in the mostly Buddhist country.

The Christmas celebration at the Jirasartwitthaya kindergarten school in Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, has run for 15 years.

This year four elephants and their mahouts, also wearing Santa hats, visited the school and gave away presents to the students, said Lardthongtare Meepan, owner of the Ayuttahaya Elephant Palace, an elephant camp.

'The highlight is not only handing out presents, but also students and elephants are forming a Christmas tree together,' he said.

The elephants danced and showed off tricks to students.

'I'm very happy to see them and they are very cute. I love elephants because it dances very cute,' says Patcharamon Sukpiromsunti, a primary school student.

The elephant is Thailand's national animal and appears throughout history and literature.

'It makes me feel like I have a lot of friends. The elephants handing out candies, toys, dolls and so many other things,' student Pasitha Sithapak said.

Thailand is 98% Buddhist, but celebrates Christmas as part of the year-end holiday season.

(Daily Mail)

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Children in Christmas costumes wait to receive gifts from elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailan

Children in Christmas costumes wait to receive gifts from elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume is seen before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume is seen before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

An elephants dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailan

An elephants dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

A mahout trains his elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals.

A mahout trains his elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

Elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes perform during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is

Elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes perform during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

Children in Christmas costumes wait to receive gifts from elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailan
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume is seen before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist
An elephants dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailan
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand
A mahout trains his elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals.
Elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes perform during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is
Children in Christmas costumes wait to receive gifts from elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailan
Children in Christmas costumes wait to receive gifts from elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume is seen before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume is seen before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume presents gifts to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
An elephants dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailan
An elephants dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand
An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
A mahout trains his elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals.
A mahout trains his elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume before a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
Elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes perform during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is
Elephants dressed in Santa Claus costumes perform during a gift presentation to schoolchildren during Christmas celebrations in Ayutthaya on December 23, 2019. Wearing red and white hats and a string of bells, Thai elephants passed out Christmas gifts to hundreds of schoolchildren on Monday despite growing criticism over using the animals in performances. The annual festive event is organised by a nearby elephant park, whose mahouts or handlers started in the early morning dressing the animals. Thailand is largely Buddhist but decorative celebrations around Christmas are common especially at big name malls. In addition to Santa Claus hats and reindeer bells the elephants were outfitted with strands of white rope at the top of their trunks to resemble a white beard. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP

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