Ayutthaya: Temple builds robot to draw young worshipers

[webfact]

Temple Builds Robot To Draw Young Worshipers
By Khaosod English



AYUTTHAYA: -- A Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya province has launched an exhibition aimed to young children to encourage their temple attendance.

Newly finished installations at Wat Tha Ka Rong Temple include a learning exhibition centre to educate the children about different nations and cultures of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The exhibition features large mannequins wearing national dresses of the 10 ASEAN countries, along with each of their national flag and country information. Additionally, the children can learn about different Buddha figures worshiped in other ASEAN countries.

A large fish tank in the temple also showcases various types of of fish found in Chao Phraya river, complete with details of each species, along with their common and scientific names, written near the tank.

However, it appears that the item which draws the most attention from visiting children is a robot model constructed of metal scraps. It was nicknamed "Transformer" by the temple monks.

Phra Kru Sutthipanyasophon, abbot of Wat Tha Ka Rong Temple, said children and youths nowadays have been alienated from the temple. He hopes the construction of the robot and the exhibiton would draw their attention back to the temple.

Moreover, as Thailand is approaching an economic integration with ASEAN neighbours, the temple administration believes the young children should also study and learn information about ASEAN countries, the abbot added.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNU1qZzRNelV5T1E9PQ==


-- Khaosod English 2014-02-20

[Khon Thai Ben Khon Dee]

Suppose it's better than Catholic priests offering candy.

[tominbkk]

Thant's one big monk!

[focus27]

Slightly cringeing, and slightly pointless getting kids into a temple to see exhibits that have nothing to do with going back to the temple after those exhibits have flown away.

In sharp contrast to western cartoons, many asian cartoons and comics have spiritual themes. Ikkyusan (I think that's the spelling) springs to mind - available in Thai but sadly not in English. Just a thought.

[Luk Mhee]

Suppose it's better than Catholic priests offering candy.

Or a prostitute, (oops I meant) protestant standing on the corner with his good news book under his armpit shouting “repent or burn in hell”

[AyG]

There's a temple on the northern outskirts of Bangkok which has enormous, Transformer-style models outside. Puts Ayutthaya's efforts to shame.

[JeffreyWitty]

Picture is a little dark, but it looks like an Optimus Prime.

Are they teaching them also about the lack of copywrite protection laws here in Thailand too?

[Dap]

Thant's one big monk!

Well fed?

[Ayuthaya]

I was there last month on a weekend and saw a Monk counting a HUGE anount of cash. This temple does all right from donations so a few transformer type statues would be nothing for them (should they actually paid for them).

[JoeThePoster]

Thant's one big monk!

That's Bumblebee !