Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight condemned the bomb blast that took place outside a Hindu temple in Thai capital Bangkok, killing at least 15 people.

"I strongly condemn the blast in Bangkok. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. I pray for a speedy recovery of the injured," he tweeted.

A powerful bomb exploded around 7 pm (5:30 IST) outside Erawan Shrine in the downtown Chidlom district of Bangkok, police said.

The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Brahma, is located on a main road through Bangkok's commercial hub and is surrounded by three major shopping malls.

At least 15 people were killed in the explosion, according to latest information.

There was a huge amount of chaos, with body parts scattered everywhere, media reports said.