Prakhon Chai
Prakhon Chai, a small town about 280 km (174 mi.) north-east of Bangkok, is the starting point for visiting two important ruined sites.
Surin, famous for its grand elephant festival held in the third week of November, is also nearby
Tourist offices in Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima and Surin include tours in their programs.
By car: from Bangkok highways 1/2/24 (about 360 km (224 mi.)).
By bus: from Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (journey time about 6 hours).
By rail: nearest station at Buriram (45 km (28 mi.)) on the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani line.
Evidence of earlier ages has only been secured and examined "for the state" during the late 20th c. During this time, Prakhon Chai has rightly proved of particular interest to Thai archeologists. However, while much still remains buried, much has also been plundered and sold abroad, including a bronze 7th/8th c. statue now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Even though important pieces, such as several 8th-10th c. Buddha statues, have been taken to the National Museum in Bangkok, the history of Thailand is no longer fully documented. As protection against a "cultural sell-out", trade in archeological finds is threatened with heavy punishments.
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