Chachoengsao
or Paet Rio is located
on the east of Bangkok. Its fertility is due to Bang Pakong
River. It is an important venue for agricultural products in the
Central Region, with mango as the most popular fruit of the
province. Moreover, it is the location of the sacred Phra
Phutthasothon Buddha image.
Derived from Khmer, the name
“Chachoengsao” means “deep canal”, while the name
of “Paet Rio” (Paet means eight and Rio means stripes)
has been believed to have come from the way dried fish (which
are abundant in the area) were being pierced into eight stripes.
The history of Chachoengsao dated back
since the Ayutthaya Period during the reign of King Phra Borom
Tri Lokkanat. Most people live along the banks of Bang Pakong
River and canals. Phra Phutthasothon or “Luang Pho Sothon”
is the center of beliefs and faith. In the past,
Chachoengsao was a small town, and was upgraded to a province in
1916.
Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from Bangkok,
with the area of 5,351 square kilometers. The local
administration is divided into 10 Amphoe (district) and 1 King
Amphoe (sub-district), namely: Amphoe Muang, Bang Khla, Bang
Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai
Khet, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, Tha Takiap, and King
Amphoe Khlong Khuean.
Geographical Location
In general, the areas are plains
with forests along the sea coast. In the east, in Amphoe Sanam
Chai Khet, the areas contain highlands and mountains, with the
attitude of 300 meters above sea level.
