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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Kaeng Mon Noi

These rapids are around 800 m away from Wang Yai pond. Cascades against boulders which were eroded by water form beautiful waterfalls at certain points along their course.



Kaeng Hin Hom

These large split-level rapids are around 100 m from Kaeng Mon Noi. The resonant roar is heard in the distance during the rainy season when there is a lot of downpour.


Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park

Around Than Ngam Waterfall is Mixed Deciduous Forest; major species are Ta baek, Pradu, Daeng, Makha mong, Chingchan, and Krabok. The waterfall contains water at certain times; there is a lot of water during the rainy season.



Ban Thai Phuan

This area is an ancient site where archaeological excavation was conducted and many ancient objects were found.



Kham Chanot

This sacred place gains respect from villagers in neighbouring areas. It is said to be an entrance to the water world, a legendary place concerning the great Naga (serpent). Inside, there is a shrine of Chaopu Sisuttho and a sacred well for worship.

         Having grown wild over a century ago in Wat Pa Mancha Khiri, over 4,000 Chang Kra orchid-Rhyncostylis gigantean (Lindl.) are in full bloom on the branches of some 280 trees every year during January and February. These wild orchids always fill the whole area with their mild fragrance.


How to get there:

         the temple is only a kilometre from downtown Amphoe Mancha Khiri, 57 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. From Bangkok, motorists can drive via Highway 2 (Mitraphap Road) then turn left to Amphoe Chonnabot, via Highway 229 (Chonnabot-Mancha Khiri).


         The entrance to the temple is on the left before reaching Amphoe Mancha Khiri or some 35 kilometres from Mitraphap Road. From Khon Kaen, motorists can go via Highway 2731 and 2062 through Amphoe Phra Yuen.

Car

        From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, then take Highway No. 226 to Buriram and Surin and continue the journey along Highways No. 214 and 202 to Amnat Charoen via Suwannaphum and Yasothon, a total distance of 585 kilometres.



Bus

        Buses depart from Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Amnat Charoen every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information



Rail

        There is no direct train to Amnat Charoen. Visitors can take a train to Ubon Ratchathani, then continue the trip by bus to Amnat Charoen. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.



Air

        Thai Airways flies from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, which is 75 kilometres from Amnat Charoen. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information.





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