Roi Et Province

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Roi Et
ร้อยเอ็ด
Province
Phra Phuttha Rattana Mongkhon Maha Muni or Luang Pho Yai, Wat Burapha Phiram (Wat Hua Ro)
Phra Phuttha Rattana Mongkhon Maha Muni or Luang Pho Yai, Wat Burapha Phiram (Wat Hua Ro)
Official seal of Roi Et
Seal
Map of Thailand highlighting Roi Et Province
Map of Thailand highlighting Roi Et Province
Country  Thailand
Capital Roi Et
Government
 • Governor Somsak Changtrakul (since 2014)
Area
 • Total 8,299.4 km2 (3,204.4 sq mi)
Area rank Ranked 23rd
Elevation 150 m (490 ft)
Population (2014)
 • Total 1,308,318
 • Rank Ranked 11th
 • Density 160/km2 (410/sq mi)
 • Density rank Ranked 23rd
Time zone ICT (UTC+7)
ISO 3166 code TH-45
Website http://www.roiet.go.th/2013/

Roi Et (Thai: ร้อยเอ็ด, pronounced [rɔ́ːj ʔèt]) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, in the northeast of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Sisaket, Surin, and Maha Sarakham.

Name

The name of the province literally means "one hundred and one" (ร้อยเอ็ด roi et). Correctly, the number should be "eleven" (สิบเอ็ด sip et), as the province was named after its eleven ancient gates built for its eleven vassal states. In olden times, the number "eleven" was written "๑๐๑" (101) and the province name was so written. Later, people misunderstood that "๑๐๑" was "one hundred and one" and have since incorrectly called it Roi Et.[1]

Geography

Most of the province is covered by plains about 130–160 meters above sea level, drained by the Chi River. In the north are the hills of the Phu Phan mountain range. The Yang River is the major watercourse. In the south is the Mun River, which also forms the boundary with Surin. At the mouth of the Chi River, where it enters the Mun River, a floodplain provides a good rice farming area.

File:Roi Et National Museum.jpg
Roi Et National Museum

History

The area was already settled at the time of the Khmer empire, as several ruins show. However, the main history of the province began when Lao people from Champasak settled near Suwannaphum during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In the late 18th century, King Taksin moved the city to its present site, then called Saket Nakhon.[2]

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the shrine of the city pillar, which is in the artificial lake Bueng Phalan Chai. The spirit of the shrine, Mahesak, is revered by local people.

The provincial tree is Lagerstroemia macrocarpa.

Climate

Climate data for Roi Et (1981–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30.3
(86.5)
32.6
(90.7)
34.7
(94.5)
35.7
(96.3)
34.2
(93.6)
33.1
(91.6)
32.4
(90.3)
31.7
(89.1)
31.4
(88.5)
31.1
(88)
30.5
(86.9)
29.3
(84.7)
32.25
(90.06)
Average low °C (°F) 17.2
(63)
19.8
(67.6)
22.7
(72.9)
24.8
(76.6)
25.0
(77)
25.2
(77.4)
25.0
(77)
24.8
(76.6)
24.5
(76.1)
23.0
(73.4)
20.1
(68.2)
17.3
(63.1)
22.45
(72.41)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 3.6
(0.142)
19.2
(0.756)
41.2
(1.622)
75.9
(2.988)
186.1
(7.327)
223.5
(8.799)
195.9
(7.713)
252.2
(9.929)
219.8
(8.654)
107.3
(4.224)
15.2
(0.598)
2.1
(0.083)
1,342
(52.835)
Average rainy days (≥ 1 mm) 1 2 3 8 15 16 15 18 18 9 2 1 108
Average relative humidity (%) 65 63 61 65 73 76 77 80 81 77 70 66 71.2
Source: Thai Meteorological Department (Normal 1981-2010), (Ave. rainy days 1961-1990)

Administrative divisions

Map of Amphoe
File:Roi Et City Hall.jpg
Roi Et City Hall, view from Phalan Chai pond

The province is subdivided into 20 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 193 subdistricts (tambon) and 2,311 villages (muban).

  1. Mueang Roi Et
  2. Kaset Wisai
  3. Pathum Rat
  4. Chaturaphak Phiman
  5. Thawat Buri
  6. Phanom Phrai
  7. Phon Thong
  8. Pho Chai
  9. Nong Phok
  10. Selaphum
  1. Suwannaphum
  2. Mueang Suang
  3. Phon Sai
  4. At Samat
  5. Moei Wadi
  6. Si Somdet
  7. Changhan
  8. Chiang Khwan
  9. Nong Hi
  10. Thung Khao Luang

Tourism

Sights

Roi Et National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ร้อยเอ็ด): It was initially established by Dr. Ko Sawatdiphanit with the aim of showcasing local silk textiles and the handicrafts of Roi Et. It was later renovated when the Fine Arts Department developed a policy for setting up a national museum.

The Monument of Phra Khattiyawongsa (Thon) (อนุสาวรีย์พระขัติยะวงษา (ทน)): Phra Khattiyawongsa (Thon) was appointed the first ruler of Roi Et. He was considered a great ruler who developed the city until Roi Et became one of the most prosperous cities in the region.

Somdech Phra Srinakarindra Park Roi Et (สวนสมเด็จพระศรีนครินทร์ร้อยเอ็ด): A public park in the heart of the city, in front of city hall. The highlight is the fountain in the middle of the park and a clock tower. The park is used as a venue for various cultural occasions and events.

Bueng Phalan Chai (บึงพลาญชัย): A lake with an area of 200,000 m2, a symbol of Roi Et. Inside is the city pillar shrine, a sacred shrine that is revered by the people of Roi Et. There is also a large walking Buddha image, a constitution atop a footed tray, flower clock, Phu Phalan Chai (an artificial waterfall), and animal sculptures.

Mueang Roi Et Municipality Aquarium (สถานแสดงพันธุ์สัตว์น้ำเทศบาลเมืองร้อยเอ็ด): One of its twin buildings includes an auditorium, lecture room, exhibition room, office, and ticket booth. The next building features an aquarium displaying fresh water fish. The highlight of the exhibition is the underwater tunnel through which one can view the movements of marine animals from any direction.

Wat Klang Ming Mueang (วัดกลางมิ่งเมือง): The ubosot was built during the late-Ayutthaya period. In the past, it was used for the oath of allegiance ceremony. At present, it is a venue for dharma practice and is known as Sunthon Thamma Pariyat School.

Wat Sa Thong (วัดสระทอง): The temple houses Luangpho Phra Sangkatchai (Kaccayana), a sacred Buddha image highly revered locals. Phraya Khattiyawongsa (Thon), the first founder of Roi Et, discovered this image.

Wat Buraphaphiram (วัดบูรพาภิราม): There is the tallest standing Buddha image in Thailand known as Phra Phuttha Rattanamongkhon Mahamuni or Luangpho Yai, which was built with reinforced concrete and stands in the blessing attitude.

Prang Ku or Prasat Nong Ku (ปรางค์กู่ หรือ ปราสาทหนองกู่): A complex of buildings with a plan that resembles the Khmer nursing home known as ‘Arogayasala’. It comprises the main prang, a library, wall and entrance pavilions, and a pond outside of the wall. The ruins are in good condition, especially the roof structure of the main prang.

Wat Pa Non Sawan (วัดป่าโนนสวรรค์): A huge temple built from the abbot's omen. It was embellished and decorated with local earthenware, so it looks strikingly eye-catching. The entrance of the multi-tiered chedi represents Hanuman’s mouth.

Bo Phan Khan Rattanasophon (บ่อพันขันรัตนโสภณ): The park was set up to commemorate the 50th anniversary celebrations of the king's accession to the throne. It is also the site of an image of Phra Phuttha Sahatsakhantha Mahamuninat.

Ban Wai Luem (บ้านหวายหลึม): The village famous for silk weaving is part of the province’s One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project, so it is also the distribution centre for local handicraft products such as handbags, cotton, and ready-to-wear clothes.

Ku Ka Sing (กู่กาสิงห์): A temple with Khmer-style architecture, including three prangs on the same laterite base, and rectangular library buildings in front. All of them are surrounded by a wall, with entrance pavilions known as "gopura" at the four cardinal points. Outside is a U-shaped moat surrounding the wall.

Tung Kula Rong Hai (ทุ่งกุลาร้องไห้): The legend of Thung Kula Ronghai had it that, in ancient times, there were Kula people who travelled around trading. They were known for being strong and tolerant. But when they reached this field, the hardship made even them cry ("ronghai") because there was not a single drop of water or trees in sight.

Ku Phra Kona (กู่พระโกนา): Three east-facing brick prangs lying in the north–south direction, standing on a single sandstone base. They are surrounded by a boundary wall, with entrance pavilions or gopuras in four directions. All are made of sandstone.

Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan (สิมวัดไตรภูมิคณาจารย์): The architectural structure suggests that it is a traditional small "sim", local dialect for ubosot, of the northeast with a low boundary wall. Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan was awarded for outstanding architecture by the Association of Siamese Architects.

Bueng Kluea (Salt Lake or Sea of Isan) (บึงเกลือ หรือ ทะเลอีสาน): In tambon Bueng Klua, a large lake covering a total area of 7,500 rai, with water year-round.

Sim Wat Chakkrawan Phum Phinit or Wat Nong Muen Than (สิมวัดจักรวาฬภูมิพินิจ หรือ วัดหนองหมื่นถ่าน): It features a small "sim" in traditional northeastern-style. Its gable and "rang phueng" (decoration underneath the lower tie beam) features fine woodcarving with a wooden shingle roof. Outside is decorated with mural paintings.

Pha Nam Yoi or Isan Buddhist Park (ผาน้ำย้อย หรือ พุทธอุทยานอีสาน): It includes a forest with wide varieties of hardwood trees and is home to various kinds of wild animals. On the hill is Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Wanaram. The temple houses Phra Mahachedi Chai Mongkhon, one of Thailand's largest chedis.

Literature Botanical Garden (สวนพฤกษศาสตร์วรรณคดี): It is the regional literature botanical garden of the northeast. It covers a total area of about 1,000 rai, featuring plants mentioned in Thai literature.

Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าถ้ำผาน้ำทิพย์): A steep and complex undulating sandstone mountains with abundant dry evergreen forest, deciduous forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest. Fauna found in this area include boars, barking deer, foxes, monkeys, squirrels.

Pha Mok Mi Wai (ผาหมอกมิวาย): Inside the Pha Nam Thip Non-hunting Area, it is the best viewpoint and is covered with mist all year round due to its high humidity.

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol, Nong Phok, On 101 rai on the premises of Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Vararam; it measures 101 metres wide, 101 metres long, and 101 metres high.

Local products

Roi Et province produces various kinds of handicraft products such as silk, bamboo woodwind instruments and also beaters for handlooms.

Culture

Festivals

Bun Khao Chi and Pho Chai Products Festival or Bun Duean Sam (งานประเพณีบุญข้าวจี่ของดีเมืองโพธิ์ชัย หรือบุญเดือนสาม): It is held according to Hit Sip Song, the northeastern twelve festivals for the twelve months. The northeasterners believe that by making merit with khao chi or grilled sticky rice, they would gain merit. The festival features a beauty pageant and competition of a giant-sized khao chi cake.

Kin Khao Pun Bun Phawet Festival (งานประเพณีกินข้าวปุ้นบุญผะเหวด): First held in 1991, it has been held annually around early-March every year ever since. The event takes place at the Somdech Phra Srinakarindra Park and Bueng Phalan Chai. Bun Phawet, or known in the central region as Bun Mahachat, is usually held in the 4th lunar month. It is a Buddhist ceremony in which the monks give a sermon of all chapters of the Vessantara Jataka, otherwise called the Great Birth Sermon. There are also 13 parades of Phawet, according to the number of the chapters of the sermon, arranged by various public and private organisations. The area around Bueng Phalan Chai has stalls providing free "khao pun", rice noodles, for participants. There are also contests of traditional arts and culture such as making the "bai si su khwan" tray.

Bun Bangfai Festival (ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ) (aka 'The Rocket Festival'): The festival is organised annually around June. Every district organises colourful parades of Bangfai rockets that reflect the folk culture and local traditions of Roi Et Province, especially the parades from Phanom Phrai and Suwannaphum districts will be lavishly decorated.

Candle Festival (ประเพณีแห่เทียนพรรษา): It is held annually on Asalha Puja Day at the Somdech Phra Srinakarindra Park. Each temple decorates their candle floats with colourful flowers, and the parade moves along the road via the market to the cruciform pavilion in the park. There are contests of decorated candles and floats with cultural performances.

Long Boat Races of Tambon Mueang Bua, Kaset Wisai District (งานแข่งขันเรือยาวประเพณี ตำบลเมืองบัว อำเภอเกษตรวิสัย): The event is held annually at the end of the Buddhist Lent, or around mid-October when there is plenty of water in the river. Boats joining the races are from Roi Et and nearby provinces including Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Si Saket, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

References

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External links


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