A spooky religious statue is set to be removed from public view at the request of terrified locals, following reports some had tried to sacrifice dogs, cats and bunnies.
The controversial sculpture of deity Khru Kai Kaeo is set to remain at the Bazaar Hotel on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand – but it won’t be in view of the public.
Painted in black, the four-metre high effigy is complete with red eyes and nails and yellow fangs, but because it is not 10 metres tall it doesn’t require a permit from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
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The statue grabbed headlines on August 9 after it got stuck under a bridge as it was transported to the Huai Khwang shrine.
Questions were soon asked about what the statue represented, with CTN News reporting that some feared it encourages "devil worshipping".
According to the outlet, reports claimed after the bridge incident that worshippers set out to buy cats, dogs and bunnies to sacrifice.
The BMA has said the installation will remain on the premises despite a flood of complaints, with the organisation asked by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt whether or not the statue in fact contravenes any laws or regulations.
He said no infringements had been found at the time of writing.
According to theBangkok Post, he explained: "As the sculpture is clearly visible from Ratchadaphisek Road, its scary-looking appearance might frighten passers-by and commuters.
“We understand that the sculpture makes some people feel uncomfortable, We will try our best to find a solution.”
Historians have disputed claims from some that the statue depicts a mentor of Jayavarman VII, a former king in the Khmer Empire.
It was since announced by Pimuk Simaroj, Mr Chadchart's secretary, that an agreement has been reached between the BMA and the hotel to cover the statue with a screen so it is not visible from the road.
Mr Chadchart said: "We have to weigh the needs of two groups of people: those who are displeased at seeing the sculpture and the worshippers who don't want it to be removed.
"The screen will prevent passers-by from seeing it but still allow worshippers to pay their respects."
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