Superheroes reshaping Thailand’s temple life
Print Edition
SUPERHEROES are coming to the rescue of Thailand’s temples, where monks have commissioned giant statues of comic book icons and toy robots to entertain children while parents donate to their coffers.
Instead of the traditional tranquil Buddhas and mythical beasts that adorn most monasteries in the land, the shimmering Wat Ta Kien temple outside Bangkok is guarded by three towering Transformer robots.
The enormous and intricate sculptures, made from bits of scrap metal and painted bright orange, yellow and blue, “have no spiritual purpose,” explained monk Pra Vichien.
“It’s for children so they won’t get bored when they come to the temple with their parents,” he said.
Other temples are following suit in a country whose monasteries compete to draw visitors and keep donations flowing.
At least four Buddhist temples across Thailand and a meditation center have bought superhero statues, says Pairoj Thanomwong, the Thai artist who runs the workshop where the sci-fi monsters and comic book figures are made.
Armed with blow torches, heaps of metal bolts and twisted car parts, the artists piece together the elaborate sculptures in a warehouse in central Thailand called “Ban Hun Lek,” which translates to “House of Iron Robots.”
The largest sculptures — 7-8 meters high — can fetch thousands of dollars. The factory also sells to restaurants and bars but most customers are abroad, especially Europe. About 80 percent of sales are to overseas clients who have seen the statues on social media.
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