29-12-2023 (BANGKOK) The gargoyle-like statue of Khru Kai Kaeo, which stirred controversy since its installation in front of the Bazaar Hotel on Ratchadapisek Road in Bangkok, has been removed following months of public complaints and a hefty 1.3 million baht fine.
The four-meter-tall statue, depicting Khru Kai Kaeo, a mythical being with a half-human, half-bird appearance, featuring red eyes, gold fangs, and red talons, was initially placed on a plot of land leased to its owner by the State Railway of Thailand in August 2023. Some devotees considered the figure to represent a God of Wealth.
However, numerous complaints from passersby prompted Bangkok’s city authorities to take action. The operator of the Bazaar Hotel, Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadaphisek Co, has been fined 1.3 million baht for violating the city’s “building control act.” The statue has now been relocated from the hotel’s front and discreetly placed behind the premises, awaiting pickup by its owner, identified as Khrukaikaew Co.
The removal process faced some interruptions, as reported by the Bangkok Post. Prior to the statue’s relocation, five monks were engaged to perform a religious rite. However, the CEO of the company that owned the statue arrived to dispute its removal, causing a brief disruption. Despite the intervention, the statue was successfully taken away.
The contentious addition to the hotel faced criticism from religious groups in Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country. The “Council of Artists Promoting Buddhism” called for the statue’s removal in August 2023, alleging that it promoted “devil worship” and disturbed passersby with its unsettling appearance.
Accusations of animal sacrifice in exchange for monetary gain were also directed at the statue, though devotees denied any truth to such speculations. The origin of the deity Khru Kai Kaeo remains disputed, with varying claims ranging from a religious teacher to a creation of a monk from northern Thailand. Some historians suggest it resembles European statues and gargoyles found in European castles and churches.
Despite its disputed origins, the controversial statue has been removed, turning the front space of the Bazaar Hotel into an activity area for guests. The statue, having outstayed its welcome, faces the challenge of finding a new home, less than six months after its installation. The removal process itself posed logistical challenges, highlighting the need for careful planning when introducing large sculptures to the city’s spaces. Another nearby statue faced similar difficulties in November 2023.
