Giant animal sculptures were displayed on school grounds for the annual Thai Straw Puppet Festival.

More than 20 straw sculptures of whales, elephants, cats, and monkeys made from rice crop byproducts were arranged at the Rajamangala University of Technology Isan in Nakhon Ratchasima province on August 31.

Apart from the animal creations, other artworks included a giant face and a hand that spans 20ft-tall.

Organisers said the event aims to promote artwork while also establishing Nakhon Ratchasima as the city of art. The festival is expected to stimulate tourism after the pandemic.

Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Cultural Office official Chaiyanan Saengthong said: ‘The creation of straw puppet sculptures was inspired by Thailand's rice cultivation. Locals came together and created straw sculptures and they all look different and interesting.

‘Not everybody knows art but each one of them is uniquely talented. I saw a whale, a huge magic hand, an elephant, and many more. Some even mix Buddhist teachings in their art.'

The straw sculpture-making competition will take place from September 1 onwards. The contest has been divided into two categories, ten teams from the students and ten teams from the public.

A total of 20 sculptures will be made under the concept ‘Post-COVID world and a Balanced Life'. The display of straw puppets will continue for up to six months. A total of 600,000 visitors are expected at 20,000 each day.

The budget for organising this event is estimated to be 2.4 million THB (56,300 GBP)