Bangkok blast: Some facts to know about Erawan shrine

Bangkok, Aug 18: At least 21 people were killed and over 120 were injured, when a bomb exploded close to a shrine in the centre of the Thai capital on Monday.

The explosion took place close to the Hindu Erawan Shrine in the capital's central Chidlom district at 6.55 pm, with police saying it may have been caused by a motorcycle bomb.

Seven tourists from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore were among the dead. The Indian envoy had said on Monday that no Indians were among the casualties.

Here are some facts to know about the popular Erawan shrine in Thai capital

• The shrine, built in 1956, houses a golden statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.

• The official name of the shrine is Thao Maha Brahma.

• Erawan shrine is also visited by thousands of Buddhists each day.

• Thais and foreign visitors make their ceremonial offerings in the hope that their wishes will be fulfilled, according to one tourist site.

• The shrine was vandalised by a mentally ill man in 2006.