Thailand: People paying respect to the Lak Muang (City Pillar), next to Sanam Luang, Bangkok. 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.