allowing them to accept asylum offered to them by Turkey. The bomb had been placed in the shrine grounds next to a metal railing. The statue itself was slightly damaged. Within two days all repairs had been completed and the shrine reopened. However, the government's swift reopening of the shrine has been subject to criticism. The government's apparent lack of progress in the investigation stimulated critics to propose a number of theories over the bombing, including even elements of the government itself. 2020 ban on incense and candles Beginning March 2020, incense and candles were no longer allowed to be lit at the shrine, due to health and environmental concerns. Gallery See also Hinduism in Thailand Devasathan, the main Hindu temple in Bangkok Spirit house, the general practice of establishing shrines to appease local spirits References External links Bangkok Metropolitan Administration | Erawan Shrine tourismthailand.org/Attraction/erawan-shrine Religious buildings and structures in Bangkok Hindu temples in Thailand Brahma temples Tourist attractions in Bangkok Religious buildings and structures completed in 1956 Pathum Wan district Vandalized works of art 20th-century Hindu temples