At least sixteen people died and dozens were injured as a bomb exploded in central Bangkok on Monday.

The bomb exploded close to the famous Erawan Shrine located in the central Chidlom district of Thailand's capital, the BBC reports.

The explosion occurred on the Ratchaprasong intersection, which has been the site of political demonstrations in recent years.

According to reports, the bomb was carried on a motorcycle or tied to an electricity pole. 

Authorities uncovered and defused a second bomb in the area.

The shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma, but also attracts thousands of Buddhists each day.

The shrine is a major tourist attractions and according to the government of Thailand the attack was targeted at tourists.

Local media are not excluding the possibility that foreign tourists, including visitors from China, were among the victims.

At present, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.