Erawan Shrine is almost always engulfed in chaotic clouds of burning incense and fossil fumes. However, you have to admit that it’s an extremely popular place for visitors to extend gratitude for their recent good fortune or at the very least, a hope of receiving some great news.
Getting the right lottery numbers would be a good start. Hey, what the heck, any notification of good luck would put a smile on my face. You’ve got nothing to lose by visiting this place even if it’s just to check out the hysteria.
This particular shrine houses the deity Phra Phrom which is represented by the four-faced Hindu creation god Brahma.
Remarkable as it may seem to some, the shrine is also shrouded with a string of unfortunate misfortunes as well as a few calamities that were thrown into the mix. In the very early hours of March 21st, 2006 a terrible misdemeanour did occur.
Fateful Days and Tragic Consequences
Apparently, a 27-year-old Thai-Muslim man alleged to be mentally ill, grabbed hold of a hammer and proceeded to smash the Brahma statue to pieces. He might have wholly succeeded if not been apprehended and subsequently beaten to death by a couple of enraged bystanders. Two street sweepers were later arrested and charged with the fatal beating.
When I say “He might have wholly succeeded” was not entirely correct because the guy known as Thanakorn Pakdeepol did succeed in smashing Brahma’s four-faced head, torso, six arms and weapons. However, what he failed to conquer, was part of the lap and the base of the statue.
Did I mention that the statue was hollow inside? The job would have been a lot harder had the statue been in a solid state. I can only think that Thanakorn must have suffered a misfortune of justice for him to vent his rage on the helpless statue.
Another tragedy that resulted in fatalities took place on 17th August 2015 when a bombing occurred outside the shrine, killing a number of people and injuring dozens more. Although a couple of suspects were arrested, no proper evidence has come forward.
Tragedies similar to this happen all over the world but let’s hope an event such as this, won’t stop people coming here to pay their respects and continue with their prayers. Bless the Thai people.
Getting to the Erawan Shrine
If not by Taxi or Tuk-Tuk, take the BTS Skytrain to Chit Lom station. Once you exit the station you’ll see the shrine situated on the corner opposite the Central World shopping mall. The physical address is at the intersection of Phloen Chit (same as Rama I) and Ratchadamri Road Bangkok. There is no cost and the shrine’s operating hours are from 6:00 am until midnight. Best of luck.
