Roi Et

The province was formally established in the early 20th century to consolidate Siamese authority over the Chi River valley, though the first Lao mueang in the area was founded at Suwannaphum as early as 1718. Roi Et's economy is almost entirely agricultural, centred on premium Thai jasmine rice cultivation, for which the province is nationally recognised. The artificial lake of Bueng Phalan Chai occupies the heart of Roi Et city, an island in its centre hosting a park with a distinctive tall standing Buddha visible from across the water. The province's Human Achievement Index score ranks tenth nationally, suggesting relatively good social development compared to its Isan neighbours. Forest coverage is minimal at just 4.4 percent, giving Roi Et a wide-open agricultural character typical of the central Khorat Plateau.