Cha Choeng Sao, Thailand
В
Chachoengsao is located on the bank of the Bang Pakong
River. The town was established in the year 1549 during the
reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya and originally used
as a centre for armed force recruitment.
During the reign of
King Maha Thammaracha, the kingdom was in a weak condition due
to being defeated by the Burmese. Phraya Lawaek, the Khmer king
located Thai people from several towns including Chachoengsao to
be his work force.
Chachoengsao is commonly called "Paet Riu", such a name is
derived from large sized fish locally caught in the past. The
town is some 100 kms. east of Bangkok occupying an area of 5,351
square kilometres. Its area is a low basin rich in rice fields,
fish farms and fruit orchards.
Geography:
General area of
Chachoengsao is low flat and low plain river. The area to be
close to theВ sea is mangrove forest. And the east area in Amphoe
Sanamchaiket is high and steep spot andВ mountain. It is high
from sea level about 300 meters up. Chachoengsao has area 5,351
square kilometers. Prachinburi and Nakon Nayok in theВ North,
Chonburi in the South, Sakaeo in the East And Samutprakarn and
Bangkok in the west.
Employment:
The majority of the
population of Chachoengsao are farmers. The cash crops are corn,
sugarВ cane, tapioca, cotton, capoc, soy bean, mung bean, rice,
crops, depending on their location and seasons. The Provincial
Government has successfully promoted the growing of fruit and
Para Rubber are Sweet Tamarinds, Longans and Lichees. These
fruit tree crops have substantially increased local farmers
annual incomes. The region has little in the way of large-scale
business or industry.
History:
Only archaeological assumptions are made that, thousands of
years ago, Bangpakong Riverfront , like many other river basins
worldwide, was a center of ancient civilization and habitat to
pre-historic populace. 5,000 year old skeletons and ornaments
found at Khok Phanomadee, now a village in Amphoe Phanat Nikhom,
Chonburi, and once a dominion under Chachoengsao's sovereignty,
are the first testimony advocative to the nation.В
According to geographers, during 7,000-2,000 B.C. the coastline
where pre- historic communities abode was much farther inland.
Thus, the assumption that Bangpakong people were forefathers of
the renowned Ban Chiang men is sensible.
Attractions :
Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan
This temple is situated on the west bank of the Bang Pakong
River, 2 Kms. south of the city hall. Enshrined in a new
gigantic hall is Phra Phutthasothon, or "Luang Pho Sothon"
regarded as one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand.
The image, in the attitude of meditation, measuring 1.65 metres
wide at the lap and 1.98 metres high, is always seen entirely
pasted with gold leaves by worshipers. Two annual fairs
celebrating the image fall in the 5th and the 12th lunar months
(around April and November).
According to legend, Luang Pho Sothon floated down the Bang
Pakong River to the site of the temple. Efforts to retrieve it
were unsuccessful until a villager had a small shrine erected on
the site and performed a ceremony welcoming the image to the
community.
Bang Pakong River
This scenic river originates in the Khorat high plateau and
winds through the heart of the town before running into the Gulf
of Thailand at Amphoe Bang Pakong. A boat trip along the river
can start either from the town market or Wat Sothon, and
travellers can go towards Amphoe Bang Khla, a total distance of
25 kms. The trip takes bout 3 hours by long-tail boat.
Ancient Fortress
This historical site is located on Maruphong Road in the town.
This fortress was frequently used during the reigns of King Rama
lll and King Rama V. Many old cannons can now be seen along the
wall. Nearby, a public park is suitable for viewing the scenery
of the Bang Pakong River.
Somdet Phra Sri Nagarindra Park
This public park in front of the city hall houses a large swamp
surrounded by various types of trees. It is a suitable place for
relaxation.
Wat Pho bang khla
This temple is located 17 kms. from the town along Highway No.
304 (Chachoengsao-Kabin Buri route) and another 6 kms. along
Highway 3121. It is home to numerous fruit bats, or flying
foxes, which hang themselves on the trees within the precincts
of the temple.
Monument of King Taksin the Great
This was constructed as a memorial site for the historic event
when King Taksin led the army past Bang Khla after the fall of
Ayutthaya to restore Thailand's independence.
Mango Orchards Amphoe Bang Khla is a major producer for mangoes
of various kinds, which are known for their superb quality and
taste. The produce is plentiful in March, and the Mango Fair is
held during this time to promote this famous fruit.
Khro Hin Son
This is on Phanom Sarakham-Kabin Buri Road between Km. 51 and
52. It is a spectacular hill full of huge white rocks. The
unfertile area of about 770 acres, has been managed and
developed in accordance with the royal projects of experiment
and demonstrations on crop cultivation, fishery and livestock,
so that farmers can apply this knowledge in their work.
Ben Santitham or the village Social Development Centre
This is located in Amphoe Sanam Chai Khet, some 60 kms. east of
the town along Route Nos. 304, 3245 and 3259. The centre was
established by the villagers to pass on local wisdom and express
the traditional way of life to youth.
In the village, there are herb gardens, a typical house with an
exhibition of farming tools and many devices created by the
local folk. Various farm products and herbs are on sale at a
nearby roadside open market.
