Understand
Sa Kaeo is an eastern border town of Thailand, located approximately 245km from Bangkok. In the past, it was once an important and prosperous community with a long history since the Suvarnabhumi and the Dvaravati Kingdoms, which can be noticed from the group of various remains of ancient monuments and architecture, scattered in the province, as well as artefacts telling the history and glory of the past to the descendants.
Apart from the historical ancient remains worthy for study, Sa Kaeo also possesses abundant natural resources such as the Pang Sida National Park and the Ta Phraya National Park, as well as, the natural canyonlike soil sculpture caused by ground subsidence called "Lalu" with unique characteristics.
At the Thai border in Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo is a grand gate opening to Cambodia, connecting international transportation and tourism within one route. Moreover, Rong Kluea Market offers both cheap and second-hand products from various neighbouring countries.
Sa Kaeo is the 74th province of Thailand and was originally a satellite town of Prachin Buri called Prachim in the past. In 1933, the system of Thesaphiban or administrative circle was abolished and Prachin Buri was uplifted to a province. Therefore, Sa Kaeo became a district in Prachin Buri. It was later separated from the province and officially acclaimed a province on 1st December, 1993.
History
The history of Sa Kaeo can be traced back for over 4,000 years, starting from the Neolithic â Metal Age with a discovery of artefacts at Ban Khok Makok, Khao Sip Sub-district, Khao Chakan District. In a later period, other antiques were found such as in Aranyaprathet and Ta Phraya Districts, presenting evidence that Sa Kaeo was once an important and prosperous community during the Chenla â Dvaravati Periods with their own civilisation and culture under the kings or rulers who believed in Hinduism, both the Shivaite and Vishnuite sects. It can be observed from the ancient remains and inscriptions in the Pallava script at Prasat Khao Noi, Khao Rang, and Chong Sa Chaeng, etc, especially the Pallava inscription at Prasat Khao Noi, Aranyaprathet District, which has been considered as the oldest piece of evidence discovered in Thailand that states the year of its construction, in approximately the year 637.
Moreover, there were discoveries of evidence reflecting the civilisation during the 10th - 11th century within this area such as various Prasats or sanctuaries made of bricks or stone, ceramic kilns, ancient moats which have left traces until the present time, including 2 inscriptions in Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, estimated to date from the 10th century. This Prasat was constructed to be a religious shrine of the God Shiva as stated in the 1st inscription that in 937, King Jayavarman IV had this inscription placed in this Prasat as an announcement prohibiting servants dedicated to this shrine to serve in other businesses, but only take care and conduct a worshipping ceremony to the Shiva Lingam â a Hindu phallic symbol of creative power â or other sacred images enshrined in this Prasat. On the other hand, the other inscription praised the good deeds of King Udayadityavarman II, who had this ancient sanctuary renovated, as well as, finished an inscription on the civilisation and religion. From the aforementioned inscriptions and remains, the system of administration utilised by the Ancient Khmer Empire over the area can be noticed. Therefore, this province can be considered as intellectual heritage which has been passed on and is valuable for further study.
Sa Kaeo covers a total area of approximately 7,195 square kilometres or 4,496,961 rai.