Bangkok —
Buddhist people in Bangkok are demanding the removal of a tall, mystical statue that they claimed is disturbing and fear-inducing.
The statue, which is located in a private area of the Night Bazaar Hotel in Huai Khwang district, resembles a winged, black gargoyle with fangs and crimson talons. Worshippers believe that it is a god of wealth, but some Buddhists say that it contradicts the principles of their religion.
The statue is named “Khru Kai Kaeo,” and some say that it was a revered teacher of a late Khmer King. However, there is no mention of this figure in historical records.
The statue was erected in recent months, and it has quickly drawn attention from motorists and passersby on Ratchadaphisek Road, where the hotel is located. Some people say that the statue’s menacing appearance is unsettling, while others worry that it may promote unorthodox religious practices. However, others have flocked to pray to the statue, believing they could be given great wealth.
The Council of Artists Supporting Buddhism of Thailand has filed a complaint with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), demanding the urgent removal of the statue. The council says that the statue is disturbing the public and that it promotes beliefs that are not in line with Buddhism.
Another group, the National Thai People, has submitted a complaint directly to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. They allege that the statue’s worshippers are planning to hold an animal sacrifice at the site, but without any solid proof.
Governor Chadchart has scheduled a meeting with the owner of the Night Bazaar Hotel to address the mounting concerns surrounding the statue.
The case has sparked a debate about the role of religion in public life in Thailand. Some people believe that the statue should be removed because it is disturbing and fear-inducing, while others believe that it should be allowed to remain because it is a matter of religious freedom.
The BMA is expected to make a decision about the statue’s fate in the coming days. It is reported that the statue could potentially violate certain regulations due to its height. The statue is 6-metres tall, which some supporters of the statue have noted is much smaller than many Buddhist statues.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
