A controversial statue displayed at Bangkok’s Bazaar Hotel on Ratchadaphisek Road stirred a debate inside the community, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to weigh in on the matter. Despite public criticism, the unique sculpture has been permitted to stay at the lodge premises by the BMA.
Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, responded to inquiries about any potential authorized violations related to the sculpture. However, thus far, no infringements have come to gentle.
“The sculpture has a quite sinister appearance which is well seen by everyone passing Ratchadaphisek Road, probably unsettling pedestrians and travellers. We acknowledge that it would cause discomfort to some, and we’re striving to work out a resolution.”
The sculpture, a four metre-tall humanoid determine painted in sombre black with red eyes, yellow enamel, and extended red nails, has garnered important consideration and criticism. Some have linked it to the sanctified teacher of Jayavarman VII, an historical ruler of the Khmer Empire, but historians debunked this belief as missing historical accuracy.
Secretary Pimuk Simaroj, from Chadchart’s office, revealed that an settlement had been reached between BMA officers and Bazaar Hotel representatives. The lodge proposed setting up a canopy to protect the statue from public view. Governor Chadchart acknowledged the complexity of the scenario.
“It’s a tangled issue as we now have to be thoughtful of the conflicting wants of two factions – those distressed by the sight of the statue and the activists who are towards its removal.”
As the statue is on privately owned land and doesn’t require a BMA allow due to its measurement, the decision lies solely with the hotel. The resort has been requested to design a protect that may render the sculpture invisible to passersby whereas awaiting approval from the district office. This solution balances the wants of critics and supporters, permitting devotees to proceed paying their respects while addressing public considerations.
Chadchart reassured the public that City Hall stays open to addressing grievances from the group. A group of Buddhist representatives raised considerations concerning the statue, urging the resort to remove it as a outcome of its unsettling appearance. They argued that unexplained worship of such figures could hurt the religion’s integrity, particularly among younger generations.
Dr Supachai Pongsawas, president of the Department of Religious Affairs’ Moral Promotion Unit, emphasized that worship should be supported by proof and rationale in Buddhism. He warned that unexplained worship might negatively impact the faith.
Meanwhile, Weerayanant Aphithanaphat, a member of the artist council, highlighted that the majority of Buddhists are unaware of the statue’s history and significance. Social media criticism likened the statue to infernal deities, which contradicts Buddhist beliefs.
Fortune ’s executive president, Charlie Nopwang Na Ayutthaya, admitted to overlooking potential religious implications when putting in the statue to draw vacationers. He hinted at a resolution involving masking the statue and limiting its worship, aiming to transform it into a landmark..