Surin is a big province on Mun River Basin in Lower Northeast of
Thailand. It is well known, locally and international, for its
elephant. The gigantic animal of Surin impresses everyone with
loveliness, cleverness and creates unique character of the province.
Surin people have long relationship with elephant which becomes icon of
the province now. Plenty of Khmer Ruins,  beautiful silk and famous jasmine rice make Surin a very interesting destination.
In historical aspect, Surin’s story can be dated back thousands of
year B.C. when Suai or Kuai ethnic group migrated along Mekong River to
settle around Dongrek Range. Kuai ethnic people, found in Thailand and
Laos, is talent in catching and training elephant. Some 2,000 years
ago, during Khmer Era, Surin town was established. After the fall of
Khmer Empire, the town was neglected until 1763, when Luang Surin Pakdi
(Chiang Pum) headman of Mueang Thi Village, led his people to settle at
Ban Khu Prathai, in present Surin City. He was promoted as the first
mayor later.
Surin is some 457 kilometres from Bangkok. The province acquires
total area of 8,124 square kilometres and it can be divided into 17
Amphoes namely Mueang Surin, Chumphon Buri, Tha Tum, Chom Phra, Prasat,
Kap Choeng, Rattanaburi, Phanom, Si Khoraphum, Sangkha, Samrong Thap,
Buachet, Lamduan, Si Narong, Phanom Dong Rak, Khwao Sinarin, and Non
Narai. |
