A controversial occult statue will be covered up with a dome to keep it from being seen by sensitive passers-by.

The 'devil gargoyle' Khru Kai Kaeo statue sparked terror among locals when it was installed at the Bazaar Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on August 18.

Despite public clamor to remove it, hotel executives said they were unable to as they were bound by a long-term lease.

Charlie Noppawong Na Ayutthaya, the secretary of the chairman of Bazaar Hotel, speaking at a press conference on August 28, said that the space had been rented out by the makers of the black magic statue for a 20-year period, at 2.4 million THB (68,000 USD) per year.

However, they have agreed to build a dome around structure to appease jittery passers-by spooked by the deity's appearance.

He said the dome will cost around 60 million THB (1.7 million USD) and is expected to be completed in two months. The expenses will be shouldered by both the sculptors and the hotel.

Charlie said: 'Following discussions with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, it was determined that the placement of the statue was not illegal.

'However, the hotel has requested the renter to erect a dome over the statue to ensure the comfort of visitors.

'The dome's design will be similar to the architecture of the Suvarnabhumi Airport. We hope to alleviate any fears people might feel by drawing their attention to the unique structure instead of the statue.'

The decision comes following complaints from the residents and the Council of Artists Promoting Buddhism, which urged the hotel to remove the Khru Kai Kaeo statue, claiming it promoted devil worship.

This led Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to order a probe into the matter.

Animal welfare organisations were also alarmed when messages spread online suggesting to sacrifice kittens and puppies to Khru Kai Kaeo to gain wealth.