Instead of eagerly listening for sleigh bells on Christmas night, kids in rural Northern Thailand are keeping an ear out for an engine hum from a bike driven by the native legend “Santa Claus of Rayong.” Thailand’s Old Saint Nicholas goes from Rayong to northern provinces every December, driving his bike piled high with toys and handing items out to kids.
sixty four yr outdated Yongut Sangdee has been the “Santa Claus of Rayong” for 27 years. He says he loves spreading Christmas cheer and happiness. It’s his passion, he says, and he’ll continue to do it until he’s physically unable to proceed.
Some of the gifts are a little completely different this year as a outcome of coronavirus pandemic. Along with ผลไม้แช่อิ่ม , toys, sweaters and blankets, Yongut might be handing out face masks and hand sanitiser. The Santa of Rayong even made an appearance early this yr. In May, he helped set up a roadside food pantry to assist those with monetary issues introduced on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many folks locally assist out by making donations and buying toys to be handed out to children. A native laundry shop owner even helped out by cleansing the donated toys.
“Santa of Rayong” began his journey earlier this month and is handing out toys to kids in Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son..