In historic Rattanakosin, nestled among some of the oldest and most recognisable structures in the heart of Bangkok, lies the spiritual centre of the city.
Known as the City Pillar Shrine or san lak mueang, this modest marble-clad building, located opposite Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the Grand Palace complex, houses an artefact that dates back to the very founding of Bangkok — the city pillar.
This city pillar or lak mueang is believed to determine the duang mueang or fortune of the Thai capital and, by extension, that of the country.