Founded in 1782, Roi
Et literally means ‘one hundred
and one’, believed to be an exaggeration
of the number 11 since the prosperous
town once ruled 11 vassal states. The
town was abandoned because of the natural
disaster of flooding, but is now a steadily
growing province. The province is part
of the 200,000 plus rais of the famous
Tung Kula Rong Hai (Kula Crying Fields),
once a wasteland that was transformed
into growing high-quality rice. The daily
life in Roi Et is influenced by a conservative
population with strong Buddhist traditions.
The simple way of life in this mostly
rural province in the lower Northeast
is reflected in its arts and crafts, especially
in the weaving of textiles.
Roi Et has an area of about 8,299 square kilometres,
consisting of the following districts: Muang,
Thawat Buri, Selaphum, Phon Thong, Nong Phok,
At Samat, Phanom Phrai, Chaturaphak Phiman,
Kaset Wisai, Suwannaphum, Pathum Rat, Pho Chai,
Mueang Suang, Phon Sai, Moei Wadi, Si Somdet,
Changhan, Chiang Khwan, Nong Hi and Thung Khao
Luang.
