Chachoengsao

Chachoengsao is a province in south-central Thailand, east of Bangkok. It’s an agricultural hub centered around the Bang Pakong River, which runs the length of the province. The main town, also called Chachoengsao, sits on the river’s edge. It’s known for the stately Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan temple, which has an important Buddha image, and the huge reclining Ganesha statue at Wat Saman Rattanaram.The town was established in 1549 during the reign of King Maha Chakkrapat of Ayutthaya and originally was a centre for military recruitment. During the reign of King Maha Thammaracha, the kingdom was in a weak condition due to being defeated by the Burmese. Phraya Lawaek, the Khmer king, conscripted Thais from several towns including Chachoengsao to be in his work force.Chachoengsao is sometimes referred to as “Paet Riu”, a name derived from large fish locally caught in the past. Paet Riu literally means “eight cuts” or slices which refers to the way the fish was cooked and served as a local dish in Chachoengsao.