Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) Monument, Chaiyaphum

History of Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae)

Phraya Phakdi Chumphon, originally named Lae, was a native of Vientiane. During the reign of King Rama II (1817 CE), Lae, then a civil servant in the court of King Anouvong of Vientiane, led his people across the Mekong River. They first settled in Ban Nam Khun Nong I Chan (present-day Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province) before relocating to Ban Non Nam Om, Ban Chi Long (Chaiyaphum Province). Lae began paying tribute to King Anouvong, who appointed him Khun Phakdi Chumphon, a regional overseer.

In 1822, Khun Phakdi Chumphon moved his community to Ban Luang (now in Mueang Chaiyaphum District) due to population growth. In 1824, after discovering gold at Bo Kho Ho in Huai Chat, he presented the gold to King Anouvong, requesting that Ban Luang be elevated to a city. King Anouvong granted his request, naming it Mueang Chaiyaphum and promoting Lae to Phra Phakdi Chumphon. However, Phra Phakdi Chumphon later requested that Mueang Chaiyaphum be subordinate to Nakhon Ratchasima and pay tribute to Bangkok instead of Vientiane. King Rama II then officially elevated Ban Luang to Mueang Chaiyaphum and appointed Phra Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) as the first governor, Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae).

This defiance greatly angered the Vientiane court. In 1826, during King Rama III's reign, King Anouvong rebelled against Bangkok. After attacking Nakhon Ratchasima, he retreated, but his army was disrupted by local uprisings. Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae), alongside Khunying Mo and the people of Nakhon Ratchasima, ambushed King Anouvong's forces at Thung Samrit. Enraged by Lae's loyalty to Siam, King Anouvong returned to Chaiyaphum, captured Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae), and executed him under a tamarind tree by Nong Pla Thao pond.

Highlights

• The monument stands as a tribute to Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae), a revered historical figure and the first governor of Chaiyaphum.
• It symbolizes the enduring loyalty and bravery of a leader who prioritized his people and country over personal safety.
• The monument is situated in a central location, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Visitor Tips & Best Time to Visit

• The monument is located in the middle of the Government Complex roundabout in Mueang Chaiyaphum District, Chaiyaphum Province. You can find its exact location on [chpao.org](https://chpao.org/travel/significant/detail/8) or [cyptm.go.th](https://www.cyptm.go.th/travel/detail/1).
• The site where Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) was executed, by Nong Pla Thao pond, also has a shrine dedicated to him. This shrine, called "San Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae)," was built in 1968 along Highway 225 (Chaiyaphum – Ban Khwao).
• The annual "Bun Duean Hok Festival," also known as "Chao Pho Phaya Lae Festival," is held for seven days starting on the first Wednesday of the sixth lunar month (around May). This major event commemorates Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) and offers a vibrant cultural experience. Consider visiting during this time to experience local traditions and pay respects.
• The monument itself was erected in 1975 through the collaboration of government officials, merchants, and the people of Chaiyaphum.