Phimai district
Phimai is a district in the northeastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand.
Geography
Phimai is a lowland, making it a suitable location for settlement and agriculture. The area is fed by the Chakkarat, Khem, and Mun rivers. There is also a source of salt, which is an important resource.History
Evidence of human settlement has been found in the Phimai area, indicating human residence since the prehistoric period, approximately 1,700–3,000 years ago. These traces were found to have continued until at least 1,500 years ago. The base of the building under Prasat Hin Phimai is made of bricks, therefore, it is assumed that it was probably originally the location of a Buddhist monastery.Phimai was an ancient Khmer city named Vimai or Vimayapura. A stone pillar dating to the reign of King Suryavarman I was found, naming the city Bhirapura meaning 'strong city'. The rulers of Phimai during the Khmer era were all descendants of the Mahidharapura dynasty. Phimai has been an important city ever since, both during Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin times.
Mueang Phimai district was established in 1900. Khun Khachit Sarakam was the first governor.
Queen Mother Sriphatcharindra visited Prasat Phimai and Sai Ngam in 1911. The government officers and people renovated the city for the royal visit, and named six roads to commemorate the event.
In 1940 the government renamed the district by eliminating the word mueang.