Chachoengsao Province


Chachoengsao is located on the bank of Bang Pakong River, 24 kilometers upstream from the mouth. It is believed to be a new town established in the Ayutthaya period around the year 1549 during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat for armed force recruitment purposes. Chachoengsao town was first found in the historical records during the reign of King Maha Thammaracha when Thailand was in a weak situation due to being defeated by the Burmese. Phraya Lawaek, a Khmer King, saw that it was his good opportunity to located Thai people to be his work force. He, then, led his army by land and water transportation to forcefully take away a huge number of people from Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao, and Nakhon Nayok.

Chachoengsao, or as commonly called "Paed Riu", is some 100 kilometers east of Bangkok occupying an area of 5,351 square kilometers. Its area is a low basin suitable for cultivation, especially rice, which is an economic crop providing the principal income to the province. Chachoengsao is administratively divided into eight Amphoes and one King Amphoe; Muand, Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng Yao, and King Amphoe Ratchasan