The Sacred Heart of Central Isan and a Land of Ancient Cities & Serene Culture
Roi Et Province is a historically rich and culturally significant province located in Central Northeastern Thailand (Isan). Known for its ancient city legends, revered Buddhist landmarks, traditional Isan lifestyle, and agricultural strength, Roi Et represents the spiritual and cultural heart of central Isan.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Roi Et’s history is intertwined with early Isan city-states and legends.
Key Historical Timeline
| Year/Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Ancient era | Early Mon–Khmer and Lao settlements |
| Legend era | Known as “Roi Et Pratu” (101 city gates – symbolic) |
| 18th century | Integrated into Siam |
| 1899 | Administrative reforms |
| 1933 | Established as a modern Thai province |
The name “Roi Et” symbolizes abundance rather than a literal number.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Roi Et Province |
| Capital City | Roi Et |
| Region | Northeastern Thailand (Central Isan) |
| Governor (2025) | Appointed by Ministry of Interior |
| Area | ~8,299 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.3 million |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| Main Languages | Thai, Isan (Lao dialect) |
| ISO Code | TH-45 |
⚖️ Government & Administration
Roi Et follows Thailand’s provincial administrative system.
| Level | Authority |
|---|---|
| Province | Governor |
| District | District Chiefs (Amphoe) |
| Local | Municipalities & Subdistrict Administrative Organizations |
The Roi Et Provincial Hall manages administration.
🗺️ Administrative Districts of Roi Et
Roi Et Province consists of 20 districts (Amphoe):
Mueang Roi Et
Kaset Wisai
Pathum Rat
Chaturaphak Phiman
Thawat Buri
Phanom Phrai
Phon Thong
Pho Chai
Nong Phok
Selaphum
Suwannaphum
Mueang Suang
Phon Sai
At Samat
Moei Wadi
Si Somdet
Changhan
Chiang Khwan
Nong Hi
Thung Khao Luang
🌐 Geography & Environment
Topography: Flat plains, wetlands
River System: Chi River basin
Borders: Maha Sarakham, Yasothon, Mukdahan, Kalasin
Natural Features:
Bung Phlan Chai Lake
Chi River floodplains
Agricultural wetlands
The landscape supports rice cultivation and fisheries.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local administration includes:
Roi Et City Municipality
Phon Thong Municipality
Suwannaphum Municipality
Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (TAO/SAO)
Urban planning focuses on livability and cultural identity.
🧩 Provincial Development & Priorities
Key development focuses include:
Agriculture & food security
Cultural tourism
Water management
Rural infrastructure
Community-based development
Roi Et promotes balanced rural–urban growth.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Agency | Function |
|---|---|
| Roi Et Provincial Police | Law enforcement |
| Disaster Response Units | Flood & drought response |
Roi Et is considered a safe and community-oriented province.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Buddhism (Theravada) |
| Cultural Identity | Traditional Isan culture |
| Local Language | Isan (Lao dialect) |
| Arts | Mor Lam, silk weaving |
Major Religious & Cultural Sites:
Wat Burapha Phiram (standing Buddha)
Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol
Roi Et City Pillar Shrine
Roi Et is one of Isan’s key Buddhist pilgrimage centers.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rice (jasmine rice), cassava |
| Handicrafts | Silk weaving |
| Tourism | Cultural & religious tourism |
| Services | Local trade & commerce |
Rice farming remains the backbone of the economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Roi Et Rajabhat University |
| Major Hospitals | Roi Et Hospital |
Education supports teacher training and local development.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Roi Et Airport |
| Roads | Regional highways |
| Rail | Nearby rail via Maha Sarakham |
Connectivity supports agriculture and regional trade.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Attractions:
Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol
Wat Burapha Phiram
Bung Phlan Chai Lake
Roi Et Walking Street
Traditional silk villages
Tourism highlights spirituality and Isan heritage.
🌍 Regional & National Role
Central Isan cultural heart
Major rice-producing province
Buddhist pilgrimage destination
Traditional Isan arts center
📝 Summary
Roi Et Province is a land of faith, rice fields, and enduring traditions. As a cultural and spiritual heart of Isan, Roi Et preserves Thailand’s rural heritage while steadily advancing community-based development.
📢 News & Articles
“Roi Et Silk and Cultural Economy”
“Rice Production and Water Management in Central Isan”
“Pilgrimage Tourism Growth in Roi Et”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering structured, link-ready, and authoritative provincial knowledge.