Lak Muang (Lak Mueang) are City pillars found in most cities of Thailand. Usually housed in a shrine which is also believed to house Chao Pho Lak Mueang; the city spirit deity; it is held in high esteem by citizens. It was probably King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I); who erected the first city pillar on April 21; 1782; when he moved his capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. The shrine was actually the first building of his new capital; the Palace and other buildings were created later. Pictures From Asia Rainer Krack