Mom is very much the northern Thai version of a makara. Makara (Sanskrit: ???) is a sea-creature in Hindu mythology. It is generally depicted as half terrestrial animal (in the frontal part in animal forms of elephant or crocodile or stag; or deer) and in hind part as aquatic animal; in the tail part; as a fish tail or also as seal. Sometimes; even a peacock tail is depicted. It is often portrayed protecting entryways to Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Abandoned in the late 13th century CE; and now in ruins; Wiang Kum Kam was once the capital of Thailand's northern region; and is located just south of Chiang Mai. It was built by King Mangrai at some time in the 13th century after his victory over the Hariphunchai kingdom of modern-day Lamphun. However; after the city had flooded several times; Mangrai decided to relocate the capital of his kingdom; and moved it farther north on the River Ping to a site that is now the city of Chiang Mai.

Wiang Kum Kam was abandoned in 1290 CE; although some records suggest a community called Chang Kham lived there before or after the Burmese seizure of Chiang Mai in 1558. Pictures From Asia David Henley