"The City Pillar Shrine, in the center of Phayao. It's dedicated to the many spirits of the area.  ""A Lak Mueang or City Pillar Shrine (as it is known in English) is a Thai public shrine, which is or represents the tutelary diety of each province of the Kingdom. Essentially, the shrine represents 'good luck' and acts as a guardian for the good fortune of the region. The shrine consists of a central pillar, which is housed in a enclosing structure. This structure usually reflects the historical and cultural background of the province. Each Shrine has great religious, social, and political importance, and are held in high regard by the local inhabitants. Before each shrine is a 'prayer area', where locals and visitors can come by and make an offering to the shrine, ask for assistance, and ask for good fortune in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Most Thai provinces have an official Shrine, and some districts within a province have their own, smaller shrine."""
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