The history of the city of Chaiyaphum dates back to the
Khmer Empire in the 12th century, when it was a small city on the route from
Angkor to
Prasat Singh (
Kanchanaburi province). In 1817 the area was settled by
Lao people led by Nai Lae, an official of King
Anouvong of
Vientiane, which was a tributary state of the Thai monarch. They settled in Baan Nam Khun Nong E Chan in Nakhon Ratchasima province, but soon abandoned it in favor of Ban Luang (today's city of Chaiyaphum). In 1826 Anouvong rebelled against the Thai King
Rama III, seeking to gain complete independence. Nai Lae, by then made a
chao praya by the Thai monarch, supported the Siamese troops. Chao Phaya Lae was killed defending his city against Anouvong's army, but Anouvong was defeated by Thai forces weeks later and Anouvong taken in chains to
Bangkok. King Rama III remembered Chao Phaya Lae for his loyalty and awarded him the title Phraya Phakdi Chumpon. He is still a local hero and his statue has become a symbol of the province. ==People==