Child’s narrow escape from elephant in Thailand raises questions about safety and superstition

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The incident, captured by the CCTV camera of mobile phone shop Aummobile on Jan 5, was shared on social media by Facebook user Bow Wangnamyen.

The incident, captured by the CCTV camera of a shop on Jan 5, was shared on social media by Facebook user Bow Wangnamyen.

PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM BOW.WANGNAYEN/FACEBOOK

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SA KAEO, Thailand – CCTV camera footage of an elephant accidentally endangering a child in Sa Kaeo’s Khao Chakan district has gone viral on social media.

The incident, captured by the CCTV camera of mobile phone shop Aummobile on Jan 5, was shared on social media by Facebook user Bow Wangnamyen.

The post read: “Beware! No offence to anyone’s beliefs, but the child almost died by passing (under) the belly of an elephant. The elephant was frightened and almost stepped on the child.”

The footage has gained widespread attention, with many netizens voicing concerns.

Some asked why the parents allowed their child to pass under the elephant’s belly, while others pondered the reasons behind the action.

In traditional Thai beliefs, some people think that passing under the belly of an elephant, a powerful and majestic creature, would protect them from harm. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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