Research & Article

Prior to the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910), during which Bangkok’s administration gradually established effective control over the more distant regions of the kingdom, provincial cities had significant autonomy. Many of the old cities still have a relic of these times: the làg myan, or “city pillar.” The làg myan was erected in the name of the highest political authority, and the religious practices connected with the guardian spirit of the pillar, which have survived to modern day, are reminiscent of attitudes to a seat of political power. Although the làg myan has attracted significant attention in literature, information on the subject is minimal and scattered. Thus, this article attempts to combine as much of this information as possible, aiming to answer the questions on the origin of the làg myan and its surrounding symbolism. Other topics discussed include human sacrifices, religion and geographical distribution.