Lak Mueang (City Pillar Shrine), Bangkok

City pillars, known as Lak Mueang, are common in Thai cities. They house the city spirit deity, Chao Pho Lak Mueang, in a shrine. This tradition originates from a Brahman ritual where a single acacia pillar, Chaiyaphreuk ("tree of victory"), was erected as the city's spiritual heart before construction began. Citizens revered it for prosperity and protection.

King Rama I established Bangkok's city pillar on April 21, 1782, marking the relocation of the capital from Thonburi. This shrine, predating the royal palace, is among Thailand's oldest and most revered.

The first pillar stood 470 centimeters (190 inches) high, buried 200 centimeters (79 inches) deep, and measuring 74 centimeters (29 inches) in diameter. Inside it there was a horoscope for Bangkok. In the mid 19th century the original shrine was rebuilt and the pillar refitted with a fresh horoscope. In 1852, another pillar was added – 5.115 meters (201.4 inches) tall, 47 centimeters (18.8 inches) in diameter at the bottom, with a base of 180 centimeters (71 inches) wide. The refurbished pavilion, with a spire (prang) modeled on the shrine of Ayudhya, was inaugurated on 1 May 1853.

Legend tells of a sacrifice ritual during construction, where people responding to the call "in–chan–mun–kong" (signifying directions) were buried at the site to protect the city. This tale, however, lacks historical proof.

Worshippers at the shrine typically offer three incense sticks, a candle, gold foil, two lotuses, two flower garlands, and a three-color taffeta.