🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Chao Pho Phaya Lae isn't just a name on a street sign or a school — he was a real historical figure whom the people of Chaiyaphum have revered for generations. He founded the city and served as its first governor, ultimately giving his life for the land. His story is woven into nearly every corner of Chaiyaphum, from the downtown roundabout to the shrine beside the lake on the edge of town.
Who Was Chao Pho Phaya Lae?
Around 1817, during the reign of King Rama II, Nai Lae — originally an official in the court of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane — led his family and followers across the Mekong River to settle and make a living in this area. The community kept growing over time.
Later, in the reign of King Rama III, the community was elevated to the status of Chaiyaphum city, and Nai Lae was appointed Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae), the first governor of Chaiyaphum. The name locals still use to this day is Chao Pho Phaya Lae.
The turning point came when Chao Anuwong of Vientiane rebelled against Bangkok. Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) sided with Bangkok, joining forces with the people of Nakhon Ratchasima to help attack and defeat Chao Anuwong's army from the rear. Enraged, Chao Anuwong turned back, captured him, and had him executed beneath a tamarind tree by the Nong Pla Thao lake. That event made him a hero the people of Chaiyaphum still remember today.
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The Monument at the Town Roundabout
The monument of Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) stands prominently at the center of the government center roundabout in downtown Chaiyaphum. The people of Chaiyaphum built it together in 1965 to honor their first governor. His statue stands holding a sword, facing out toward the town in a dignified pose. Every road in the city circles past it, and it has become a symbol of the town that everyone recognizes.
- Location — the main roundabout in downtown Chaiyaphum, near the government center; easy to reach right in town.
- Admission — none; it's a public open-air space, open for paying respect any day.
- Best time — morning or evening when the sun is gentler; locals like to come pray for blessings before starting the day.
- Paying respect — flowers, incense, candles, and garlands are sold nearby; some people set off firecrackers when a wish has been granted.
Good to know
The monument sits in the middle of a roundabout with constant traffic. If you're crossing over to pay respect or take photos, use the crosswalk and watch for cars. Traffic is especially heavy in the early morning and after work hours.
Chao Pho Phaya Lae Shrine at Nong Pla Thao
Beyond the downtown monument, there's also the Chao Pho Phaya Lae Shrine, located by the Nong Pla Thao lake about 3 kilometers west of town. This is believed to be the spot where he was executed beneath a large tamarind tree. The original shrine was made of wood under the tamarind tree before a sturdier new shrine was built later on. For the people of Chaiyaphum, this is the most sacred place of all — many come here to make vows about work, exams, and important matters in life.
Downtown Monument
Right in town and easy to stop by, a landmark of the city — good for a photo and a quick prayer along the way.
Nong Pla Thao Shrine
About 3 km out of town, a shady setting by the lake — the spot where people come to make vows and where the big worship festival is held.
The Annual Worship Festival — Bun Duan Hok
Chaiyaphum's biggest event is the Bun Duan Hok festival, honoring the virtue of Chao Pho Phaya Lae, held every year. It begins around the first Wednesday of the sixth lunar month (typically late April) and runs for several days. The scene the whole country remembers is the tribute dance, where women of Chaiyaphum from young children to elders — several thousand to tens of thousands from every district — dance together in offering to Chao Pho. It's a ceremony that's both beautiful and deeply moving at once.
- When — begins around the first Wednesday of the sixth lunar month (late April) and runs for several days into the end of the month.
- Tribute dance — women of all ages from all 16 districts dance together in multiple routines, numbering in the tens of thousands.
- Worship ceremony — there's a ceremony to honor his spirit, offerings of sacred items, and vow-making according to belief.
- Atmosphere — temple fair stalls, food, souvenirs, and entertainment fill the grounds as the whole province gathers.
Going during the festival
The Bun Duan Hok festival draws huge crowds and rooms in town fill up fast. If you're set on seeing the tribute dance, book your accommodation well ahead and double-check that year's dates with the provincial page, since the start date shifts with the lunar calendar each year.
What Else Is Nearby?
Both the monument and the shrine are in or near town, so they pair easily with other sights in a single day. If you have a half day, try a route like this.
- Prang Ku — an ancient stone sanctuary about 6 km from the shrine, easy to add along the same route.
- Nong Pla Thao — the wide lake around the shrine, a shady setting good for an evening stroll.
- Downtown Chaiyaphum — local food, the morning market, and souvenirs all within easy reach.
Want to see what else there is to do in Chaiyaphum?
See the Chaiyaphum travel guide →