Chaiyapum provine By Olivier deenik G8

Chaiyaphum Chaiyaphum is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lopburi and Phetchabun. Etymology The word Chaiya originates from the Sanskrit word Jaya meaning Victory, and the word Phum from Sanskrit Bhumi meaning earth or land. Etymology

Geography The province is cut into two halves by the Phetchabun mountain range, with the highest elevation in the province at 1222 m. The east of the province belongs to the Khorat Plateau. Four national parks are located in the province. The Tat Thon National Park is in north-west of the province, featuring some scenic waterfalls and dry dipterocarp forests. The biggest attraction of the Sai Thong National Park in the west of the province is the Sai Thong waterfall, but also some fields of the Siam Tulip.

PEOPLE Most people in Chaiyaphum province are ethnically Lao. The first language of most people is the Isan language, a dialect of the Lao language.

HISTORY

During the Khmer influence over the Suwanabhumi region, Chaiyaphum city acted as a gateway by witch the Khmer rules extended their power into Siam. In the reign of Somdet Phra Narai the Great (Ayudhaya period), Chaiyaphum was under Nakhon Rajasima. Later, the city was deserted. In 1817, Nai Lae, a Vientiane official, moved his family and followers to Ban Nam Khun, Nong E-Chan in region of the present Amphur Soong Nern,Nakhon Rajasima. Later in 1818, he relocated his community led by Nai Lae was loyal to Chao Anuwong, a Vientiane ruler. With his loyalty, Nai Lae was appointed as Khun Phakdi Chumpol by a Vientiane ruler. In 1822, Khun Phakdi Chumpol with his Community moved to Ban Luang locatedbetween Nong Pla Tao and Nong Lord, the present Amphur Muang. Since then, Khun Phakdi Chumpol was loyal to King Rama III of Rattanakosin.The king, thus, named him a first ruler of Chaiyaphum.

Festival The Chaopho Phraya Lae Festival (งานฉลองอนุสาวรีย์เจ้าพ่อพระยาแล) is held from the 12 until 20 January each year in front of Chaiyaphum City Hall and the Chaopho Phraya Lae Monument Intersection. The Chaopho Phraya Lae Worship Ceremony (งานประเพณีบวงสรวงเจ้าพ่อพญาแล) is held at the Nong Pla Thao Shrine on the first Monday of May every year (It lasts for 3 days and 3 nights). The locals will pay respect to Chaopho Phraya Lae’s spirit and perform traditional dances in front of the old shrine. There is a contest of local food, folk sports competition and a "Bai Si" procession contest. The Candle Festival (งานแห่เทียนพรรษา) is a festival organised by the Chaiyaphum Municipal Office on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month (around July). There is a candle contest. This event is widely popular and similar to the candle procession of Ubon Ratchathani.

Festival 2 The Ram Phi Fa Tradition (ประเพณีรำผีฟ้า) is a ceremony worshipping certain sacred objects and the "Phrachao Ong Tue", a Buddha image engraved out of sandstone with a height of 2 metres. The locals consider this Buddha image as very holy. Many people will participate in this ceremonial dance. The Bun Duean Si Festival (งานบุญเดือนสี่) is a festival of the people of Khon San, comprising merit-making on the dark moon day of the 4th lunar month (Duean Si) and a "Saba" competition on the 1st to 3rd day of the waxing moon during the 5th lunar month (around March). The Dok Krachiao Blossom Festival (งานวันดอกกระเจียวบาน) is held at the end of June to July at Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Thep Sathit District. It is during the rainy season when the blossoms of the wild Krachiao flowers - in a purplish pink colour - are widely found in the area. Therefore, this area is known as Dok Krachiao Field. During the festival, there is a nature tour around the national park and local performances

TRANSPORTATION

From Bangkok, take route 1 ( Phahonyathin Rd From Bangkok, take route 1 ( Phahonyathin Rd.) via Rangsit – Wang Noi to Saraburi junction and turn right following route 2 (Mitraphab Rd.) and turn left along route 201 at Amphur Si Kew and Amphur Dan Khun Tod to Chaiyaphum. Distance 342 kms. By car Daily bus services ( Bangkok – Chaiyaphum) are available By bus Daily express and rapid train services from Bangkok to Nong Khai are available. By train No airport at Chaiyaphum, visitors have to fly to Khon Kaen or Nakhon Rajasima By air

ATTRACTIONS

Tat Ton Located in Tambol Na Fai. Tambol tha Hin Ngom. Tambol Huai Ton and Tambol Na Sieo. Amphur Muang approximately 21 kms. From town center along the Chaiyaphum – Kaset Somboon highway (route 2051). Is highly scenic spot excellent for relaxation or picnic.

Krachieo Flower park At the beginning of the rain retreat, Thung Dok Kra Chieo will be carpeted by C. parviflora wall or Dok Kra Chieo in Thai terminology. The wonderful beauty of this flower attracts a lot of tourists and photographers to Pha Hin Ngam National Park and sai thong National Park in Chaiyaphum.

Morhinkaw มอหินขาว บ้านวังคำแคน ต.ท่าหินโงม อ.เมือง จ.ชัยภูมิ ตั้งอยู่ในเขต อุทยานแห่งชาติภูแลนคา มีทุ่งหินประหลาดขนาดยักษ์ท่ามกลางท้องทุ่งมากมายหลายก้อนตั้งโดดเด่นอยู่ หลายๆคนยกให้ทุ่งหินยักษ์นี้เป็น“สโตนเฮนจ์เมืองไทย” ในขณะที่ชาวบ้านแถวนั้นเรียกขานทุ่งหินขนาดยักษ์ว่า “มอหินขาว” ด้วยเอกลักษณ์ความสวยงาม เป็นปรากฏการณ์ทางธรรมชาติ ที่สรรสร้างหินรูปทรงแปลกๆ ดุจดังสโตนเฮ้นจ์เมืองไทย