More than ten thousand residents of Chaiyaphum and tourists from other provinces who revere Chao Pho Phaya Lae gathered to offer traditional bai sri trays as a mark of respect.
On 12 January 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anan Nakniyom, Governor of Chaiyaphum Province, together with government officials, merchants, citizens, and tourists devoted to Chao Pho Phaya Lae, jointly presented elephants and bai sri trays. This event commemorates the virtues of Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Chao Pho Phaya Lae), the first ruler of Chaiyaphum, who founded and protected the province for future generations. The ceremony is held annually from 12 to 20 January.
/ “Chao Pho Phaya Lae” (Phraya Phakdi Chumphon Lae) was the first ruler of Chaiyaphum who migrated with people from Vientiane to establish a settlement. He refused to join Prince Anouvong's rebellion and was executed at the Rim Nong Pla Thao pond in 1826 CE. Due to his loyalty to Siam, he is honored as a hero and revered sacred figure by the people of Chaiyaphum. Today, his monument and shrine serve as a spiritual center and place of worship. Mr. Lae was a Vientiane official who relocated around 1817 CE, crossing the Mekong River to settle in Ban Non Nam Om (present-day Chaiyaphum). He reported to Nakhon Ratchasima and paid tribute to King Rama III, eventually being appointed Khun Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) and elevated to become Chaiyaphum’s first ruler. When Prince Anouvong of Vientiane rebelled in 1826 CE, Mr. Lae led troops to assist Khun Ying Mo in suppressing the uprising. Prince Anouvong, resentful, ordered Mr. Lae’s execution at Rim Nong Pla Thao. In recognition of his loyalty, he was posthumously honored with the title Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae). He is respected as Chao Pho Phaya Lae, the sacred guardian of Chaiyaphum, with a monument located in the city center.
Today, Mr. Anan Nakniyom, Governor of Chaiyaphum, together with government officials, merchants, citizens, and devotees of Chao Pho Phaya Lae, celebrated by presenting bai sri trays at the Chao Pho Phaya Lae monument in front of the Chaiyaphum Provincial Hall. More than 10,000 people arrived for the event starting at 5 a.m. Additionally, they collectively offered 3,024 elephants to Chao Pho Phaya Lae.
Moreover, the celebration at the Chao Pho Phaya Lae monument includes various entertainments and performances, along with market stalls selling goods for nine days and nights. This year, investors leased booths to vendors, most of whom—about 90 percent—came from other provinces. This has caused dissatisfaction among local sellers who lament that high rental prices prevent them from vending. They have appealed to the Governor of Chaiyaphum to find solutions for this issue in future events.
