Phra Ya Phakdi Chumphon Monument (Chao Pho Phraya Lae) is an important landmark and a spiritual center for the people of Chaiyaphum Province. Located in a roundabout in the city center, it is considered one of the province’s key symbols, reflecting history, local politics, and deeply rooted local beliefs. Phraya Phakdi Chumphon, originally known as “Lae,” was a community leader in the early Rattanakosin period. He is believed to have had connections with the Lao-Vientiane people and was part of the political network under Chao Anouvong of Vientiane. He played a key role in leading groups of people across the Mekong River to settle in Siamese territory, which later became the foundation of present-day Chaiyaphum.

In the early period, the settlements he led were not stable and were relocated several times depending on geography and safety conditions. Over time, these communities gradually developed into a larger settlement and were later elevated into a formal town. This process shows that Chaiyaphum developed through community migration and consolidation rather than a centrally planned founding.During the 1826 rebellion of Chao Anouvong, Phraya Phakdi Chumphon is traditionally described as having aligned with Siamese authority and not joining the rebellion. As a result, he is remembered in historical narratives as a symbol of loyalty to the Siamese state, although details vary across local accounts. Overall, he is remembered as a leader who upheld duty and made significant sacrifices.

After his death, his story evolved beyond historical record and became part of local belief systems. He is widely revered as “Chao Pho Phraya Lae,” a guardian spirit of the city. People believe he can bring success, good fortune, career advancement, and protection to those who pay respect with sincerity.Due to both historical importance and local belief, the monument was built in 1975 (B.E. 2518) to honor him and serve as a spiritual center for the people of Chaiyaphum. The monument features a bronze statue of Phraya Phakdi Chumphon in a dignified stance holding a sword, symbolizing bravery and leadership.The surrounding area is well landscaped with gardens and flower decorations, making it not only a place of worship but also a public space and symbolic center of the city. Today, the monument plays a role beyond history, serving as a site of rituals and community identity, especially during the annual festival in January featuring processions, traditional performances, and OTOP fairs.Thus, the monument is not merely a statue or tourist attraction, but a living symbol that integrates history, present-day community life, and belief systems into one continuous cultural identity of Chaiyaphum Province.

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How to Get There

• By car: From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road), then continue to Highway 21 (Saraburi–Chai Badan), and then Highway 201 toward Mueang Chaiyaphum District. The monument is located in a roundabout in the city center.

• By public transport: Take a Bangkok–Chaiyaphum bus to Chaiyaphum Bus Terminal, then continue by motorcycle taxi or local three-wheeled taxi (skylab), approximately 1.5 km to the monument.

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Travel Tips

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Admission fee:

• Free of charge (no entry fee)

Opening hours:

• Open 24 hours daily