The shrine has also been witness to key recent moments in Thailand's febrile political history thanks to its location at the Ratchaprasong intersection.
The key crossing has been taken over by both sides of Thailand's political divide at various times during recent street protests.
In 2010 the intersection was the scene of a military crackdown against Red Shirt supporters loyal to ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
When the crackdown finished a large mall opposite the shrine was gutted by fire.
Five years on the shrine has once more been witness to violence in the capital.