Chachoengsao
Province
Chachoengsao is located on the bank of Bang Pakong River, 24 kilometers
upstream from the mouth. It is believed to be a new town established in
the Ayutthaya period around the year 1549 during the reign of King Maha
Chakkraphat for armed force recruitment purposes. Chachoengsao town was
first found in the historical records during the reign of King Maha Thammaracha
when Thailand was in a weak situation due to being defeated by the Burmese.
Phraya Lawaek, a Khmer King, saw that it was his good opportunity to located
Thai people to be his work force. He, then, led his army by land and water
transportation to forcefully take away a huge number of people from Chanthaburi,
Rayong, Chachoengsao, and Nakhon Nayok.
Chachoengsao, or as commonly called "Paed Riu", is some 100 kilometers
east of Bangkok occupying an area of 5,351 square kilometers. Its area
is a low basin suitable for cultivation, especially rice, which is an economic
crop providing the principal income to the province. Chachoengsao is administratively
divided into eight Amphoes and one King Amphoe; Muand, Bang Khla, Bang
Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng
Yao, and King Amphoe Ratchasan