A major shareholder of the Bazaar Hotel Bangkok has petitioned a court for the removal of the controversial Khru Kai Kaeo statue from its premises on Ratchadaphisek Road.
Phairoj Thungthong on Friday said that he has an 80% share of Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadapisek Co Ltd, which was registered in 2009 with capital of 780 million baht.
However, today, the company is under a rehabilitation process due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.
He said Chan Tulyapisitchai, who holds 20% of the shares, is leading a new management team for the rehabilitation process. However, Mr Phairoj said he has been prohibited from getting involved in management.
He said it was Mr Chan who brought the Khru Kai Kaeo statue and had it erected in front of the hotel.
The 4-metre-tall gargoyle-like black sculpture with red eyes and long red nails has been worshipped by those who believe it will grant wishes. Buddhists, however, argue that worshipping a demon figure is black magic that goes against religious teachings.
Recently, the hotel agreed to put up a dome to cover the statue to shield those who may feel offended by its appearance.
Mr Phairoj said that on Tuesday, he told his lawyer to petition the Central Bankruptcy Court to order Mr Chan to remove the statue. A court hearing is set for Sept 12 at 10am.
Chalee Noppawong Na Ayutthaya, secretary of the chair of the hotel's executive board, said the statue draws the attention of many tourists.