A Buddhist temple amazed visitors by installing a moving diplodocus next to the pulpit.

Monks installed the towering 40ft animatronic alongside a golden Buddha shrine in Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand.

Footage shows the long-necked dinosaur robot turning its head as it emitted bizarre roars inside the solemn ordination hall.

Buddhist chiefs at the Wat That Royal Monastery temple said the prehistoric vegetarian beast was chosen because of the high number of dinosaur fossils found in the region.

Phra Ratcha Phatthana Wachirabhandit, the temple abbot, said: 'This year marks the 500th anniversary of Phra Phuttha Phra Lap, the founding of the Buddha image.

'Therefore, the temple wanted to communicate this auspicious occasion to devotees and the general public with something special.

'Aside from murals that depict human and heavenly treasures, and cultural practices that promote sustainable development, the temple has also created a pulpit inspired by prehistoric animals which were excavated in the Phu Wiang district and Wiang Kao district of the province.

'It tells the story of the way of life and culture, with the temple as the centre of learning. It is also a form of religious tourism.

'The dinosaur parts that were ordered from China. They are made from special materials that are flexible but strong. During important occasions, monks can sit on it while preaching.'

The abbot said the dinosaur was custom-designed and built in Shenzhen, China. It was paid for with donations from temple visitors.

He added: 'The dinosaur pulpit will help instill the Buddhist precept of kindness to all creatures.'

The Phu Wiang National Park in Khon Kaen is known for its many paleontological sites, making it one of the world's largest dinosaur graveyards.