Northeast Thailand / Basic Information
The northeast portion of Thailand, commonly referred to as Isan (pronounced E-San), is made up of 17 provinces (in alphabetical order): Buriram, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakhon Nakhon, Si Saket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Yasothon.
The word Isan denotes prosperity and vastness, which is appropriate only as far as vastness is concerned considering that the Northeast covers a total area of more than 170,000sqkm (65,620sqmi), or roughly one third of the entire country. Despite prosperity being denoted in its name, the Northeast today is the poorest part of Thailand.
Isan was the center of an ancient civilization and even now, many customs are adhered to which date back to pre-historic times when the Khom people (the predecessors of the Khmer) held sway in the region. Relics and monuments still stand, attesting to the splendors of ages past. The Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom, the Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung in Buriram and the Prasat Hin Phimai in Khorat are some of the most important and interesting structures in the area.
The Ban Chiang village in Udon Thani, where remains of pre-historic skeletons and tools have been discovered, is the most concrete evidence of a Bronze Age civilization flourishing in Isan 5,000 to 7,000 years ago.
The Northeast’s ancient traditions and customs are still reflected in fairs and festivals found nowhere else in the country. These include the colorful Bun Bung Fai (rocket festival), the Candle Procession and the Wax Castle Festival.
Folk theater performances of the region are rich in symbolism, particularly the Pong Lang, Khan, Soeng Kratip and Rabam Phat Khao.
Because most of the land is sandy and rapidly absorbs water, eight large dams have been constructed to regulate the water flow. Large rock-salt deposits exist in some parts of Isan; they are mined like ore in other countries.
The major river of Isan is the Mun, comparable in importance to the Chao Phaya of Thailand’s central plain.
Among the well-known local products, Mutmee silk ranks first. It is manufactured in most provinces of the region. Other noted local products are wickerworks and pottery.
Two popular food specialties originate from Ban Phai in Khon Kaen Province: Mu Yong sausages and Mu Paen, processed pork in thin slices.
Economy
The Northeast is well endowed with a number of mineral resources of which many have not yet been developed for commercial purposes. Among the more important minerals found in the Northeast are potash (the oxide of potassium; pot-ashes) and rock salt. Deposits of other minerals such as copper, lignite (brown coal), iron, manganese and barite (barium sulfate) have also been discovered.
In addition, natural gas exploration activities have identified at least ten deposits in the Northeast. The most promising source, at Nam Phong near Khon Kaen, was planned to come on stream in late 1990. The Petroleum Authority of Thailand is carrying out a feasibility study for a pipeline from Nam Phong to be connected to the natural gas pipeline network in the Eastern Seaboard, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is planning to build a 300 megawatt power plant at Nam Phong to utilize the on-site natural gas.
Major agricultural products in the Northeast include rice, sugarcane, tapioca cassava), maize, kenaf (ambary, yielding a fiber used in canvas and cordage), beans, tomatoes, rubber, cashew nuts and fruits. Cattle raising for meat products, leather, and dairy products has been expanding. The high levels of agro-industry activities have resulted in the growth of a significant agricultural machinery industry, in particular around Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen.
The Thai Board of Investment reckons that there are adequate regional physical and social infrastructure facilities and services to meet the needs of the population and the growing business activities. Adequate road, rail and air networks link the Northeast with the rest of the country. The region is also a gateway to Indochina and the construction of a bridge over the Mekong River linking Nong Khai and Vientiane has begun in December 1991.
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