A terrifying devil-worshipping gargoyle statue that followers sacrifice their pets to has sparked concern in Thailand - with locals complaining they are 'gripped by fear'.

Footage shows the giant black magic occult deity with red fingernails and toenails positioned outside The Bazaar Hotel in Bangkok this afternoon.

Animal rights group Watchdog Thailand Foundation raised concern about the statue after messages emerged online of devotees soliciting rabbits, kittens and puppies as ritual offerings to the 'god of wealth', which is called Khru Kai Kaeo.

The 'devil worshippers' believe they will receive good luck and financial prosperity in exchange for the animal offerings.

Concerned animal rights advocates and civic groups are now calling to remove the terrifying 13ft gargoyle-like statue of Khru Kai Kaeo - with black wings, golden fangs, and scarlet talons - which sits in front of the hotel.

The sculpture - which is not from any religion but modelled instead on witchcraft teachings - was first noticed around a week ago when it was wedged under a footbridge during transit along Ratchadaphisek Road.

The Artists Council for the Promotion of Buddhism of Thailand, which is accredited by Thailand's Religious Affairs Department, said its members will be gathering at the hotel today, August 18, to protest the statue's presence, saying it goes against Buddhist teachings by promoting devil worship.

The Rassadorn Thai Haeng Chart group has also written to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt asking for the statue to be relocated 'because the residents were scared of it.'

They said locals living near the statue were 'gripped by fear' having to look at it from their windows and when they drive by in their cards.

The governor said he has instructed the permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to 'examine the legal aspects of the issue'.

The Watchdog Thailand Foundation has warned that harming animals intentionally carries heavy punishment in the country. It said it was investigating worshippers of the demon deity, and has urged animal lovers to share leads or evidence of solicitations with them.

Meanwhile, Nattuwut Rattanasuk, a relative of the statue's sculptor, said the crazed devotees were 'misguided' and that only fruits and sweets were allowed as offerings.

He told local media: 'Performing rites with animals is already a bad deed. How can you receive blessings through it?'

Khru Kai Kaeo was believed to be a teacher of former Khmer king Jayavarman VII. However, the claim has been contested by some Thai historians, who say they have never heard of this historical figure.