Lak Mueang

Historic Site in Bangkok

CC BY-SA 4.0 / PEAK99

City pillars, or Lak Mueang, are a common feature in Thai cities, each housing a shrine dedicated to the city’s spirit deity, Chao Pho Lak Mueang. This tradition originates from an ancient Brahman ritual in which a single acacia pillar, known as Chaiyaphreuk (the “tree of victory”), was erected at the spiritual center of the city before construction began. The pillar was revered by citizens as a symbol of prosperity and protection.

In Bangkok, King Rama I established the city’s pillar on April 21, 1782, coinciding with the relocation of the capital from Thonburi. This shrine, which predates the construction of the Grand Palace, is one of the oldest and most revered in Thailand.

The original pillar stood 470 cm (190 inches) tall, buried 200 cm (79 inches) deep, and had a diameter of 74 cm (29 inches). Inside it was a horoscope specifically for Bangkok. In the mid-19th century, the original shrine was rebuilt, and the pillar was refitted with a new horoscope. In 1852, a second pillar was added, standing 5.115 meters (201.4 inches) tall, with a base diameter of 47 cm (18.8 inches) and a foundation 180 cm (71 inches) wide. The renovated pavilion, designed with a spire (prang) inspired by the shrine of Ayutthaya, was inaugurated on May 1, 1853.

Legend has it that during the construction of the pillar, a ritual sacrifice took place, where people were buried at the site in response to the call “in–chan–mun–kong” (indicating directions), believed to protect the city. However, there is no historical evidence to confirm this story.

Visitors to the shrine often offer three incense sticks, a candle, gold foil, two lotus flowers, two flower garlands, and a three-colored taffeta as part of their prayers and offerings.

The Lak Mueang appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bangkok!

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