Yasothon
Encyclopedia
Yasothon is a town on the Chi River
in the northeastern region
of Thailand
. It is the capital
and administrative center of Yasothon Province
and seat of its City District
. Within this district, subdistrict
Nai Mueang ( In town) comprises the bounds of the town proper, which had a population of 21,134 in 2005. It lies a little more than 500 km (310.7 mi) northeast of Bangkok
, the Thai capital.
ruins in and around the city, no written history is known prior to A.D. 1811/2354 B.E. In that year, Prince Rachawongsingh , son of King Wichai
, king in the capital of Champasak
led a number of people to found a town on a bluff beside a deserted temple ground with a landing on the Chi River
. The town was called Ban Singh Kow ( Old Lion Village), or Ban Singh Tha .
A weather-worn and now nearly illegible marker erected by Thailand's Fine Arts department for a chedi
by Wat Singh Tha, related that during the Thonburi
Era, grandson Kham Su called the settlement Ban Singh Thong . The wat
, which had been deserted with dense jungle blocking the way to the river landing, was re-built and renamed after the new village.
The change from Thong (Gold) to Tha was influenced by two factors: Tha means port or landing and also means pose with many connotations. Thus the change in name to Singh Tha means Port Lion, and also Imposing Lion such as those posed on the Lion Gate, and on pedestals on the temple grounds. (For the legendary version, see Yasothon province
Symbols.)
announced a change in the town's name to Mueang
Yasothon . The name proposed had been Mueang Yotsunthon (.) (The Yaso part of the name actually bestowed translates as arrogant: one pretending to Yot high rank. This may not have been the intention: compare Yasodharapura
and Yasovarman
.) At the same time, Prince Rachawongsingh received a new style (manner of address)
: Phra Sunthornrachawongsa ( RTGS: phrasunotraratwongsa
.)
Yasothon was successively ruled by five Phrasunthonratchawongsa:
Singh, 1815–1823;
Thao Sicha, 1823;
Fai, 1823–1857;
Thao Men, 1857–1873;
Suphrom, 1873–1895.
During the 1827–1829 Laotian Rebellion led by Chao Anouvong, Fai was active in encouraging left bank people to migrate to establish their muang
on the right (east) bank of the Mekong
. King Rama III, in recognition of his achievements, also appointed him as chao muang of Nakhon Phanom
, and he briefly ruled both Yasothon and Nakhon Phanom. On 15 August 2011, the month of singhakhom ( on the Thai solar calendar
, a monument was erected in the city on the grounds of Wat Srithammaram, dedicated to Singh, the first Phrasunthonratchawongsa. Rain fell heavily as the statue was raised onto its pedestal, but the sun broke through at 5 p.m. to smile on the dedication.
The town's unofficial nickname is Mueang Yot Nakhon Proud Capital.
Chao Phraya Bodindecha
(1777–1849), (personal name Singh
or Sing, family Singhaseni was a chancellor
and army general during the reign of Rama III (1824-1851). He led the army from Bangkok that put down the 1826–1828 Laotian Rebellion of Lord Anouvong of Vientiane
. General Singh then brought his army to Yasothon to rest. The campsite is now Wat
Tung Sawang Chaiyaphum ( field of bright victory,) featuring a nine-spire chedi
. The chedi is open to the public; its north-east corner contains the golden image of a captive, and along the south wall is a Buddha footprint
.
Camp Bodindecha , located west of the city proper on Route 23 (Chaeng Sanit Road ) in Ban Doet Tambon Doet, Amphoe Mueang
, is named in his honor. The camp has been home to the Royal Thai Army 16th Infantry since 23 December 1985. The camp also hosts the Bodindecha Golf Club, which is open to the public. 15.907329°N 104.061321°W
During the Haw wars
(1865–1890). Yasothon aided Bangkok in repelling Chinese invaders at Nong Khai
.
The city has a significant Thai Chinese
influence. The city pillar
, erected in AD 1987/2530 BE a short walk from Wat Singh Tha, is housed in a shrine that resembles a Chinese temple. A Chinese warrior impersonates the city spirit in the annual parade celebrating the Chinese lunar date of the shrine's dedication.
Yasothon Rocket Festival
Yasothon's rocket festival Prapheni Bun Bang Fai |Tradition of Boon of Bong of Fire) is held annually over the weekend that falls in the middle of the month of May. The festival's origins lie in a custom of firing rockets into the sky at the start of the rice-growing season to remind King of the Sky, Phaya Thaen, to send promised rain. The festival
is a competition marked by a weekend of celebration, including highly-decorated floats
parading through the town, accompanied by partying, dancing, music, and a fair
. Friday the main thoroughfare is transformed into a parade ground lined on both sides by concert stages, which will feature Mor lam
performers throughout the night. Saturday sponsored parade groups compete for prizes. Many of the traditional dances and floats have to do with the legend of Nāng Ai and Phādāēng, but others have to do with that year's particular theme.
Sunday the action moves from the city center to Phaya Thaen Park at its eastern edge. The park is not only a beautiful playground with an athletic stadium and outdoor stage, it is also part of the city's flood-control project for those times when Phaya Thaen sends too much rain.
The festival now takes the form of a competition to see whose rocket will stay aloft for the longest time.
On May 10, 1999, the Yasothon Rocket Festival made world headlines when a 120 kg rocket exploded 50 meters above ground, just two seconds after launch, killing five persons and wounding 11.
Pedicabs
serve within the city. Tuk-tuks are prohibited. Motorcycle taxi
s with yellow license plates and drivers with identifying vests do serve outlying areas and may take passengers about within the city limits. Several bus lines connect daily and at frequent intervals to Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (often called Mo Chit Mai ), . and Pattaya
's Northern Terminal, as well as all bus terminals in the North and Northeast. Train and Air services connect Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani
, 100 kilometres east on Highways of Thailand Route 23. Yasothon's bus terminal re-located from the city centre to Route 23 Bypass just east of the Ban Kham Noi Junction with Vittaya Thamrong Road/Rural Road YS-2018. 15°48′35.25"N 104°9′25.43"E
Chi River
The Chi River is the longest river in Thailand; it extends 765 km, but carries less water than the second longest river, the Mun. In the Isan dialect of this region, and also in the adjacent language Lao, the name of the river is actually pronounced "Nam Si" but the transliteration Chi...
in the northeastern region
Isan
Isan is the northeastern region of Thailand. It is located on the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the Mekong River to the north and east, by Cambodia to the southeast and the Prachinburi mountains south of Nakhon Ratchasima...
of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. It is the capital
Capital City
Capital City was a television show produced by Euston Films which focused on the lives of investment bankers in London living and working on the corporate trading floor for the fictional international bank Shane-Longman....
and administrative center of Yasothon Province
Yasothon Province
Yasothon is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand on the Chi River. Neighboring provinces are Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket and Roi Et.-Geography:...
and seat of its City District
Amphoe Mueang Yasothon
Mueang Yasothon is the capital district of the province of Yasothon in northeastern Thailand on the Chi River. Subdistrict Nai Mueang determines the city limits of the town of Yasothon.-History:...
. Within this district, subdistrict
Tambon
Tambon is a local government unit in Thailand. Below district and province , they form the third administrative subdivision level. As of the 2009 there are 7255 tambon, not including the 169 khwaeng of Bangkok, which are set at the same administrative level, thus every district contains 8-10 tambon...
Nai Mueang ( In town) comprises the bounds of the town proper, which had a population of 21,134 in 2005. It lies a little more than 500 km (310.7 mi) northeast of Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, the Thai capital.
Founding
While there are KhmerKhmer Empire
The Khmer Empire was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The empire, which grew out of the former kingdom of Chenla, at times ruled over and/or vassalized parts of modern-day Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, and Malaysia. Its greatest legacy is Angkor, the site of the capital city...
ruins in and around the city, no written history is known prior to A.D. 1811/2354 B.E. In that year, Prince Rachawongsingh , son of King Wichai
Fay Na
Fay Na was king of the southern Laotian Kingdom of Champasak from 1791-1811. He was promoted by King Rama I of Siam for the noble title "Phra Wichaiyaratkhattiyawongsa" ....
, king in the capital of Champasak
Kingdom of Champasak
The Kingdom of Champasak , in southern Laos, broke away from the Lan Xang kingdom in 1713. The Kingdom of Champasak prospered at the beginning the 18th century, but it was reduced to a vassal state of Siam before the century had passed. Under French rule the kingdom became an administrative block...
led a number of people to found a town on a bluff beside a deserted temple ground with a landing on the Chi River
Chi River
The Chi River is the longest river in Thailand; it extends 765 km, but carries less water than the second longest river, the Mun. In the Isan dialect of this region, and also in the adjacent language Lao, the name of the river is actually pronounced "Nam Si" but the transliteration Chi...
. The town was called Ban Singh Kow ( Old Lion Village), or Ban Singh Tha .
A weather-worn and now nearly illegible marker erected by Thailand's Fine Arts department for a chedi
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
by Wat Singh Tha, related that during the Thonburi
Thonburi
Thon Buri is an area of modern Bangkok. It was capital of Thailand from 1767 to 1782, during the reign of King Taksin, after the previous capital Ayutthaya was sacked by the Burmese. It is located on the opposite bank of Chao Phraya River to Bangkok...
Era, grandson Kham Su called the settlement Ban Singh Thong . The wat
Wat
A wat is a monastery temple in Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos. The word "wat" means "school".- Introduction :...
, which had been deserted with dense jungle blocking the way to the river landing, was re-built and renamed after the new village.
Yasothon Province
Yasothon is one of the provinces of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand on the Chi River. Neighboring provinces are Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket and Roi Et.-Geography:...
Symbols.)
Name change
In A.D. 1814/2357 B.E., King Rama IIRama II
Rama II is a novel by Gentry Lee and Arthur C. Clarke first published in 1989. It recounts humankind's further interaction with the Ramans, first introduced in Rendezvous with Rama...
announced a change in the town's name to Mueang
Mueang
Mueang were historical semi-independent city-states or principalities in present-day Thailand, Laos, parts of northern Vietnam and the Shan State of Myanmar. Smaller Mueang were subordinate to more powerful neighboring Mueang, which in turn were subordinate to the central king, as described in...
Yasothon . The name proposed had been Mueang Yotsunthon (.) (The Yaso part of the name actually bestowed translates as arrogant: one pretending to Yot high rank. This may not have been the intention: compare Yasodharapura
Yasodharapura
Yaśodharapura was the first capital of the Khmer empire to be built at the Angkor site. The city was built during the reign of King Yasovarman I after the palace in the previous capital at Roluos was burned during his struggle to consolidate power upon the death of the previous king, his...
and Yasovarman
Yasovarman
Yasovarman I was an Angkorian king who reigned in 889–910 CE.-Early years:After the death of Indravarman I, a succession war was fought by his two sons. It's believed that the war was fought on land and on sea by the Tonle Sap. In the end Yasovarman I prevailed. Because of his father had sought...
.) At the same time, Prince Rachawongsingh received a new style (manner of address)
Style (manner of address)
A style of office, or honorific, is a legal, official, or recognized title. A style, by tradition or law, precedes a reference to a person who holds a post or political office, and is sometimes used to refer to the office itself. An honorific can also be awarded to an individual in a personal...
: Phra Sunthornrachawongsa ( RTGS: phrasunotraratwongsa
Royal Thai General System of Transcription
The Royal Thai General System of Transcription is the official system for rendering Thai language words in the Latin alphabet, published by the Royal Institute of Thailand...
.)
Yasothon was successively ruled by five Phrasunthonratchawongsa:
Singh, 1815–1823;
Thao Sicha, 1823;
Fai, 1823–1857;
Thao Men, 1857–1873;
Suphrom, 1873–1895.
During the 1827–1829 Laotian Rebellion led by Chao Anouvong, Fai was active in encouraging left bank people to migrate to establish their muang
Mueang
Mueang were historical semi-independent city-states or principalities in present-day Thailand, Laos, parts of northern Vietnam and the Shan State of Myanmar. Smaller Mueang were subordinate to more powerful neighboring Mueang, which in turn were subordinate to the central king, as described in...
on the right (east) bank of the Mekong
Mekong
The Mekong is a river that runs through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It is the world's 10th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is , and it drains an area of , discharging of water annually....
. King Rama III, in recognition of his achievements, also appointed him as chao muang of Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom is a town in northeastern Thailand, capital of the Nakhon Phanom Province. The town covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang and Nong Saeng and parts of tambon At Samat and Nong Yat, all of Mueang Nakhon Phanom district...
, and he briefly ruled both Yasothon and Nakhon Phanom. On 15 August 2011, the month of singhakhom ( on the Thai solar calendar
Thai solar calendar
The Thai solar calendar, Suriyakati was adopted by King Chulalongkorn in AD 1888 as the Siamese version of the Gregorian calendar. It is the legal calendar in Thailand, though Thai lunar calendar dates continue in use. Years are now counted in the Buddhist Era that is 543 years greater than...
, a monument was erected in the city on the grounds of Wat Srithammaram, dedicated to Singh, the first Phrasunthonratchawongsa. Rain fell heavily as the statue was raised onto its pedestal, but the sun broke through at 5 p.m. to smile on the dedication.
The town's unofficial nickname is Mueang Yot Nakhon Proud Capital.
Bodindecha
Bodindecha
Chao Phraya Bodindecha was one of the most prominent political and military figures of the early Bangkok Rattanakosin Kingdom. Bodindecha was both chancellor and military general during the reign of King Rama III...
(1777–1849), (personal name Singh
Singh
Also see SinhaSingh is a common title, middle name, or surname in Northern India and South India used by sikhs warriors and kings. eg. Man Singh I, Maharana Pratap Singh. It is derived from the Sanskrit word Siṃha meaning "lion and used by Ahir kings of Nepal". It is also used in Sri Lanka by...
or Sing, family Singhaseni was a chancellor
Chancellor
Chancellor is the title of various official positions in the governments of many nations. The original chancellors were the Cancellarii of Roman courts of justice—ushers who sat at the cancelli or lattice work screens of a basilica or law court, which separated the judge and counsel from the...
and army general during the reign of Rama III (1824-1851). He led the army from Bangkok that put down the 1826–1828 Laotian Rebellion of Lord Anouvong of Vientiane
Vientiane
-Geography:Vientiane is situated on a bend of the Mekong river, which forms the border with Thailand at this point.-Climate:Vientiane features a tropical wet and dry climate with a distinct monsoon season and a dry season. Vientiane’s dry season spans from November through March. April marks the...
. General Singh then brought his army to Yasothon to rest. The campsite is now Wat
Wat
A wat is a monastery temple in Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos. The word "wat" means "school".- Introduction :...
Tung Sawang Chaiyaphum ( field of bright victory,) featuring a nine-spire chedi
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
. The chedi is open to the public; its north-east corner contains the golden image of a captive, and along the south wall is a Buddha footprint
Buddha footprint
The footprint of the Buddha is an imprint of Gautama Buddha's one or both feet. There are two forms: natural, as found in stone or rock, and those made artificially...
.
Camp Bodindecha , located west of the city proper on Route 23 (Chaeng Sanit Road ) in Ban Doet Tambon Doet, Amphoe Mueang
Amphoe Mueang Yasothon
Mueang Yasothon is the capital district of the province of Yasothon in northeastern Thailand on the Chi River. Subdistrict Nai Mueang determines the city limits of the town of Yasothon.-History:...
, is named in his honor. The camp has been home to the Royal Thai Army 16th Infantry since 23 December 1985. The camp also hosts the Bodindecha Golf Club, which is open to the public. 15.907329°N 104.061321°W
During the Haw wars
Haw wars
The Haw Wars , so called in Thai, were fought against Chinese quasi-military forces invading parts of Tonkin and Thailand between the years 1865 and 1890.-Invasion of the flags:...
(1865–1890). Yasothon aided Bangkok in repelling Chinese invaders at Nong Khai
Nong Khai
Nong Khai is a city in North-East Thailand and is the capital of the Nong Khai Province...
.
Municipality
The local administration of Yasothon was created in 1944 as a subdistrict municipality. With the creation of Yasothon province, the municipality was upgraded to a town municipality.Chinese influence
Thai Chinese
The Thai Chinese are an overseas Chinese community who live in Thailand. Thailand is home to the largest, oldest, most prominent, and most integrated overseas Chinese community in the world with a population of approximately 9.5 million people...
influence. The city pillar
Lak Mueang
Lak Mueang are City pillars found in most cities of Thailand. Usually housed in a shrine which is also believed to house Chao Pho Lak Mueang , the city spirit deity; it is held in high esteem by citizens....
, erected in AD 1987/2530 BE a short walk from Wat Singh Tha, is housed in a shrine that resembles a Chinese temple. A Chinese warrior impersonates the city spirit in the annual parade celebrating the Chinese lunar date of the shrine's dedication.
Yasothon Rocket FestivalRocket FestivalA Rocket Festival is a merit-making ceremony traditionally practiced by Ethnic Lao people throughout much of northeast Thailand and Laos, by numerous villages and municipalities near the beginning of the rainy season...
Yasothon's rocket festival Prapheni Bun Bang Fai |Tradition of Boon of Bong of Fire) is held annually over the weekend that falls in the middle of the month of May. The festival's origins lie in a custom of firing rockets into the sky at the start of the rice-growing season to remind King of the Sky, Phaya Thaen, to send promised rain. The festivalFestival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
is a competition marked by a weekend of celebration, including highly-decorated floats
Float (parade)
A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one, which is a component of many festive parades, such as those of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Carnival of Viareggio, the Maltese Carnival, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Key West Fantasy Fest parade, the...
parading through the town, accompanied by partying, dancing, music, and a fair
Fair
A fair or fayre is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment. It is normally of the essence of a fair that it is temporary; some last only an afternoon while others may ten weeks. ...
. Friday the main thoroughfare is transformed into a parade ground lined on both sides by concert stages, which will feature Mor lam
Mor lam
Mor lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan.Mor lam means expert song, or expert singer, referring to the music or artist respectively. Other romanisations used include mo lam, maw lam, maw lum, moh lam and mhor lum...
performers throughout the night. Saturday sponsored parade groups compete for prizes. Many of the traditional dances and floats have to do with the legend of Nāng Ai and Phādāēng, but others have to do with that year's particular theme.
Sunday the action moves from the city center to Phaya Thaen Park at its eastern edge. The park is not only a beautiful playground with an athletic stadium and outdoor stage, it is also part of the city's flood-control project for those times when Phaya Thaen sends too much rain.
The festival now takes the form of a competition to see whose rocket will stay aloft for the longest time.
On May 10, 1999, the Yasothon Rocket Festival made world headlines when a 120 kg rocket exploded 50 meters above ground, just two seconds after launch, killing five persons and wounding 11.
Transport
Yasothon city is about 500 km (310.7 mi) or seven hours drive from Bangkok at the intersection of Highways of Thailand Routes 23 and 202, and the southern end of Route 2169.Cycle rickshaw
The cycle rickshaw is a small-scale local means of transport; it is also known by a variety of other names such as velotaxi, pedicab, bikecab, cyclo, becak, trisikad, or trishaw or, simply, rickshaw which also refers to auto rickshaws, and the, now uncommon, rickshaws pulled by a person on foot...
serve within the city. Tuk-tuks are prohibited. Motorcycle taxi
Motorcycle taxi
A motorcycle taxi is a licensed form of transport in some countries. Typically, they will carry one passenger , who rides as the pillion, behind the motorcycle operator.-Cambodia:...
s with yellow license plates and drivers with identifying vests do serve outlying areas and may take passengers about within the city limits. Several bus lines connect daily and at frequent intervals to Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (often called Mo Chit Mai ), . and Pattaya
Pattaya
Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chonburi....
's Northern Terminal, as well as all bus terminals in the North and Northeast. Train and Air services connect Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani is a city on the Mun River in the south-east of the Isan region of Thailand. It is known as Ubon for short. The name means "Royal Lotus City." The provincial seal features a pond with a lotus flower and leaves in a circular frame. Ubon is the administrative centre of Ubon...
, 100 kilometres east on Highways of Thailand Route 23. Yasothon's bus terminal re-located from the city centre to Route 23 Bypass just east of the Ban Kham Noi Junction with Vittaya Thamrong Road/Rural Road YS-2018. 15°48′35.25"N 104°9′25.43"E
Places of interest
- Phra That Anon – a Thai chedi
StupaA stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
or stupa over 1000 years old, said to contain a relic of AnandaAnandaĀnanda was one of the principal disciples and a devout attendant of the Buddha. Amongst the Buddha's many disciples, Ānanda had the most retentive memory and most of the suttas in the Sutta Pitaka are attributed to his recollection of the Buddha's teachings during the First Buddhist Council...
, a favoured disciple of the BuddhaGautama BuddhaSiddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
. An annual festival is held in March to honour the temple. - That Kong Khao Noi – a chedi southwest of Yasothon by the village of Tat Thong (ตาดทอง), housing a statue of Buddha. Each April the statue is bathed in a ceremony to call for rains. The Tat or chediChediChedi is an alternative term for a Buddhist stupa, mainly used in Thailand. It may also refer to:* Chedi Kingdom, an early kingdom in India* Chedi, U Thong, a subdistrict of U Thong District, Suphan Buri Province, Thailand...
is similar in style to Phra That Anon in the center of Yasothon, and to Phra That Si Kotaboon in Kam Muam districtKham DistrictKham is a district of Xiangkhouang Province in northern-central Laos....
of Laos PDR. Thai - Tat Thong is also an excavation site of a prehistoric settlement.
- Bodindecha Golf Club, which is open to the public. 15.907329°N 104.061321°W