Elephants dressed as Santa Claus gave out presents and candy to Ayutthaya school students in an annual Christmas tradition.

The Christmas celebration at the Jirasartwitthaya school in Ayutthaya 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 the owner of the Ayutthaya 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," said Patcharamon Sukpiromsunti, a primary school student.

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