Chaiyaphum : Phraya Phakdi Chumphon Monument

        Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) Monument is located in the district of Mueang Chaiyaphum. It is actually located at Sun Ratchakan Roundabout, which is on the way to the city. The monument was built in 1975 and is dedicated to the first governor of Chaiyaphum. The governor was called Chaopho Phraya Lae by the locals.



        As per historical records, during the reign of King Rama II, in 1817, Nai Lae, who was court official of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane, moved with his family and followers to Ban Nam Khun in Nakhon Ratchasima district after crossing the Mekong River. Thereafter, the community moved to Non Nam Om, around 6 kilometers from the center of Chaiyaphum. Later the community moved once again and this time to a location within present-day Mueang District.


        Here they became subjects of the town of Nakhon Ratchasima and took King Rama III as their lawful king. The community did not consider themselves under the authority of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane. King Rama III, made the town in Chaiyaphum District where the community was living and appointed Khun Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) as the first governor.

        However, Chao Anuwong of Vientiane led an army to attack Nakhon Ratchasima in 1826. This prompted Khun Phakdi Chumphon to join hands with other governors of the neighboring provinces to fight him. The Thai army won but Chao Anuwong was not captured. He later returned to capture Khun Phakdi Chumphon and executed him under a tamarind tree near Pla Thao Swamp.

        To honor the ultimate sacrifice done by Khun Phakdi Chumphon, he was conferred the title Phraya Phakdi Chumphon and a monument was later erected to honor his good deeds and sacrifice.




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