A golden nine-tailed fox has been placed in front of a hotel 'to attract Chinese tourists' in Bangkok, Thailand .

The mischievous mythological creature, which is a popular figure in East Asian cultures, was erected at the Bazaar Hotel beside the 'demon gargoyle' Kru Kai Kaew statue, which had drawn criticism in August for allegedly promoting devil worship.

Charlie Noppawong Na Ayutthaya, the secretary of the chairman of Bazaar Hotel, told local media that the space had been leased long term by the makers of the Kru Kai Kaew statue.

He said: 'It is their right to make decisions regarding the statutes on the premises. Nevertheless, the hotel has imposed a prohibition on the placement of any items or statues associated with Buddhism, as there are already temples for such purposes.'

He added that the hotel had allowed the placement of the golden fox statue, sometimes seen as an auspicious creature in Chinese culture, to appeal to Chinese tourists visiting Bangkok.

The official said a dome to cover both the Kru Kai Kaew and the nine-tailed fox statues will also be built to keep sensitive passers-by from seeing them.

Meanwhile, Tepparith Pansuk, the caretaker of the Kru Kai Kaew statue, said the space had been designated as a landmark for tourists who wished to visit the nine-tailed fox.

He said: 'The statue was created to attract foreigners to pay their respects. It is not our intention to interfere with Buddhism or Thai people's religious preferences.'

The Thai government has recently waived visa requirements for Thai and Kazkh tourists visiting the country. The measure, which was implemented on September 25, is seen to help Thailand's tourism sector rebound from the pandemic.