Considered to be centrally
located in Thailand, Chaiyaphum has
an abundance of natural attractions and
is famous for its beautiful flower fields,
particularly the Krachiao Flower Blooming
Festival during the months of June-July.
Chaiyaphum's size, with majority of it being
forests and mountains, ranks third in the
region and eighth in the country.
The town was founded by a group of Vientiane
immigrants, led by Nai Lae, a nobleman,
during the beginning of the Rattanakosin
era over 2 centuries ago. Within a decade,
King Rama III promoted Nai Lae to Phraya
Phakdi Chumphon and made him the city’s
first lord. When the Lord of Vientiane
led a rebellion against King Rama III
in 1826, he helped Khunying Mo successfully
defend Nakhon Ratchasima from the seige.
Chaiyaphum is 342 kilometres from Bangkok and
has an area of 12,778 square kilometres. It
consists of the following districts: Muang Chaiyaphum,
Khon Sawan, Kaeng Khro, Ban Thaen, Phu Khieo,
Kaset Sombun, Khon San, Nong Bua Daeng, Ban
Khwao, Chaturat, Bamnet Narong, Thep Sathit,
Nong Bua Rawe, Phakdi Chumphon, Noen Sanga and
Sap Yai.
