Bangkok Bomb Attack: Erawan Shrine’s Centerpiece Repaired

The statue at Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine has been repaired after damages caused by last month’s deadly bomb attack in the city.

The Erawan Shrine’s centerpiece is a four-faced golden statue of the Hindu god Brahma. It was damaged in at least 12 places, most obviously the chin of one of the faces.

The shrine is also considered sacred by Thai Buddhists, and attracts many foreign visitors. The unveiling of the repaired shrine on September 4 was attended by worshippers and Thai soldiers.

The repairs were carried out by the culture ministry’s fine arts department.

At the opening ceremony, Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said the statue would help “create confidence and raise the morale of Thai people and tourists”.

People have continued to visit the shrine since it reopened shortly after the bomb blast on August 17.

Two people have been detained in connection with the blast, both foreign, and a number of arrest warrants have been issued. But no individual or group has yet claim responsibility for it.