A royal army of chickens

Two giant red, yellow and black chickens at the entrance of the temple draw my attention. Funny detail, I think; but it’s something different than the usual two lions. Looking beyond, I notice more chickens at each of the entrance gates. In the distance, behind the building, some gold and silver appears to have a poultry shape…I decide to take a closer look. I am in the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya by the way – and this particular temple is devoted to the Siamese king Naresuan the