The army has spruced up checkpoints located near tourist spots after caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra suggested less intimidating decor would help improve the country's image.
An army checkpoint in Bangkok is decorated with flower pots. (Image from @Rattiya_bluesky Twitter)
Deputy army spokesman Col Winthai Suwaree said army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha had issued an order to "adjust" the checkpoints, but insisted that the majority of the public understood the army’s operations and appreciate the services they provide to people.
Maj Gen Wara Boonyasit, commander of the First Division, King's Guard, said some checkpoints had been moved from the road to footpaths, while others in front of temples had been moved to inside temple grounds.
The distance between each checkpoint has also been increased.
The army has a total of 176 checkpoints set up around Bangkok, near protest sites, crowded areas and government offices.
“The checkpoints will be maintained as the army aims to provide security to the public to prevent violence,” Maj Gen Wara said.
"The checkpoints are also for the safety of the soldiers because they are unarmed.
“Some checkpoints have been decorated with flower pots. It is up to each division if it wants to soften the image of the checkpoint."
Gen Prayuth earlier joked with reporters and suggested checkpoints could be decorated with pink curtains to give them a more welcoming feel.