Thailand. Bangkok. A pair of dummies ( a man and a woman dancing) to be used by tourists for photo session at Wat Arun temple. Wat Arun, also called Temple of the Dawn is a Buddhist temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara. The outstanding feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower). Steep steps lead to the two terraces. The height is reported by different sources as between 66,80 m and 86 m. The corners are surrounded by 4 smaller satellite prangs. The prangs are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. The central prang is topped with a seven-pronged trident, referred as the "trident of Shiva". Around the base of the prangs are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Tha Tian's community is located in the downtown area and in the center of the urban historic district, called Koh Rattanakosin. The Tha Thian is surrounded by a major heritage and tourist site, Wat Arun. 27.03.09 © 2009 Didier Ruef