The army has on Friday spruced up checkpoints close to tourist spots by putting flowers around their bunkers after caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra suggested less intimidating decor would help improve the Thailand's image.
Deputy army spokesman Col Winthai Suwaree said army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha issued an order to "adjust" the checkpoints, but insisted the majority of the public understood the army’s operations.
He said the checkpoints and bunkers would be taken away when the violence stops.
Maj Gen Wara Boonyasit, commander of the First Division, King’s Guard, said some checkpoints had been moved from the roads to footpaths, while others in front of temples had been moved to inside temple grounds.
The army has 176 checkpoints set up around Bangkok, near protest sites, crowded areas and government offices.
"The checkpoints will remain as the army aims to provide security to the public," Maj Gen Wara said.
The checkpoints and bunkers 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 by suggesting checkpoints could be decorated with pink curtains to give them a more welcoming feel.