Roi Et (Thai ร้อยเอ็ด) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. Neighboring Provinces are (from north clockwise) Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Sisaket, Surin and Maha Sarakham.

The Name Roi Et translates to 101, which refers to the original 11 satellite cities around the main city as well as the 11 city gates. To express the importance of the city the number was exaggerated.

Geography

Most part of the province is covered by plains about 130-160 meters above sea level, drained by the Shi river. In the north of the province are the hills of the Phu-phan mountain range, with the Yang river as the major river. In the south is the Mun river, which also forms the boundary to the province of Surin. At the mouth of the Shi river, where it enters the Mun river, a big flooded basin provides a good rice farming area.

History

The area of the province was already settled during the times of the Khmer empire as several ruins show. However, the main history of the province began when Laotian people from Champasak settled near Suwannaphum during the Ayutthaya kingdom. King Taksin moved the city to its present site, then called Saket Nakhon.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the shrine of the city pillar, which is located in the artificial lake Pha-lan-chai. The spirit of the shrine, Mahesak, is highly revered by the local people. The provincial tree is Lagerstroemia macrocarpa.

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 17 districts (Amphoe) and 3 minor districts (King Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 193 communes (tambon) and 2311 villages.

External links

• Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
• Golden Jubilee Network province guide