Temples transformed: Superheroes bolster Buddha’s ranks

This photo taken on June 18, 2017 shows people enjoying giant metal statues inspired by the Transformers franchise, by Ban Hun Lek metalworks, at Wat Ta Kien Buddhist temple in Nonthaburi. -AFP

NONTHABURI, THAILAND: 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.