Rating: 3.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 23:00

 

Erawan Shrine (Phra Phrom Shrine) is one of the most renowned sacred sites in the heart of Bangkok, widely revered by both Thai people and international visitors. Located at the Ratchaprasong Intersection in front of the former Erawan Hotel (now Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok), the shrine stands amid one of the city’s busiest commercial and business districts. Surrounded by high-rise buildings, heavy traffic, and constant movement, this small shrine has become a place where people pause, focus their minds, and offer prayers continuously throughout the day. It represents another distinctive image of Bangkok—where spiritual faith seamlessly coexists with modern urban life.

 

The origins of the Erawan Shrine date back to 1951, when Police General Phao Sriyanond initiated the construction of the Erawan Hotel at the Ratchaprasong Intersection to accommodate foreign guests and enhance Bangkok’s image as an international tourist destination. During the early stages of construction, however, numerous accidents and unexpected problems occurred. As the hotel neared completion in late 1956, Sahahotel Thai & Tourism Co., Ltd., the hotel’s management at the time, consulted Rear Admiral Luang Suwichan Phaet, M.D., of the Royal Thai Navy, a respected expert in astrology and spiritual rites, to determine an auspicious opening date.

 

After careful consideration, Rear Admiral Luang Suwichan Phaet pointed out that no proper rituals had been performed to inform the sacred spirits of the land before construction began. The foundation-laying date was also deemed inauspicious, and the name “Erawan,” referring to the sacred elephant of Indra, carried profound spiritual significance that required appropriate ceremonial reverence. According to his guidance, the solution was to seek blessings from Phra Phrom (Brahma), the creator deity, to remove obstacles. He advised that a shrine to Phra Phrom be erected immediately after the hotel’s completion, along with a spirit house within the hotel grounds.

 

The shrine was designed by Rawee Chomseree and M.L. Poom Malakul, while the statue of Phra Phrom was sculpted in plaster and gilded with gold by Chit Phimkowit, an artisan from the Fine Arts Department. The statue was enshrined in front of the Erawan Hotel on November 9, 1956. Initially, the plan was to cast the statue in gold-colored metal, but due to time constraints related to the hotel’s opening auspicious date, the design was changed to gilded plaster instead.

 

The Erawan Shrine is regarded as the first large-scale Phra Phrom shrine in Thailand and later became the prototype for similar shrines built within major buildings and significant sites nationwide. It is widely believed to help dispel obstacles and promote success, prosperity, and good fortune. Over time, this belief spread widely, elevating the shrine’s reputation to an international level, particularly among visitors from East Asia such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

 

In 2006, a tragic incident occurred when a mentally unstable individual vandalized the Phra Phrom statue, causing severe damage. The incident took place on March 21, 2006. Subsequently, restoration and reconstruction were carried out under the supervision of the “Thao Maha Phrom Fund Foundation,” which continues to oversee the shrine today. The restoration was completed in late May of the same year. This event further reinforced the shrine’s image as a symbol of enduring faith, remaining spiritually significant despite adversity.

 

According to belief, Phra Phrom is the creator deity, depicted with four faces symbolizing the four sublime virtues: loving-kindness (Metta), compassion (Karuna), sympathetic joy (Mudita), and equanimity (Upekkha). Worshippers traditionally pay respect at all four sides of the shrine, focusing their intentions on different aspects of life. Walking clockwise to complete all four sides is not merely a ritual but a reflection of one’s aspiration to align life with these virtues.

 

The enduring charm of the Erawan Shrine lies in its presence as a spiritual refuge amid the city’s constant motion. The sounds of traffic, crowds, and traditional music from ritual performances form a backdrop that makes even brief moments of prayer feel meaningful. For tourists, the shrine offers direct insight into Thai cultural beliefs, while for city dwellers, it serves as a small yet powerful source of emotional support during uncertain or difficult times.

 

Getting There The Erawan Shrine is centrally located and easily accessible by BTS Skytrain. Visitors can disembark at Chit Lom Station or Siam Station and walk to the Ratchaprasong Intersection. Those traveling by private car should allow extra time, as traffic congestion in this area is heavy throughout the day.

 

 

A: The shrine is generally open for worship daily from approximately 06:00 to 23:00.

 

A: Worshippers traditionally pay respect at all four sides of the shrine, set clear intentions, and behave respectfully at all times.

 

A: Yes. It is an excellent place for tourists to learn about Thai culture and spiritual beliefs, conveniently located in the city center.