Roi Et
[Image:Thaigong2.jpg|thumb|right|265px|Large gong at a Buddhist temple, Roi Et]
Roi Et is a town in north-eastern Thailand, capital of Roi Et province. It covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Roi Et district. As of 2006 it had a population of 34,229. Roi Et is 514 km from Bangkok, and is served by Roi Et Airport.
Etymology
The place name Roi Et is derived from ร้อย + เอ็ด, which in the Thai language carries the archaic and figurative meaning of "many," "a good many," "a great many," or "numerous."Geography
Roi Et lies on a flat plain about above sea level.History
Roi Et has been inhabited since the prehistory, the community was then influenced by Dvaravati around the 5th century and continued to the Angkorian period, but was abandoned following the decline of the Angkor in the 13th century. It was repopulated by Lao people led by Suthonmanee from in 1775.Roi Et City has been a major settlement for more than 300 years. In ancient times It was once called 'Saket Nakhon' and referred to as "a large city with 11 gates and 11 vassal cities", but in modern-day terms it would be classed as a middle sized market town.
Main features of the town
At the center of Roi Et lies a lake, next to a 101-meter observation tower that is modeled in the shape of a traditional circular panpipe.Climate
Roi Et has a tropical savanna climate. Winters are dry and very warm. Temperatures rise until April, which is hot with the average daily maximum at. The monsoon season runs from May through October, with heavy rain and somewhat cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm.Transportation
Route 214 leads north to Kalasin and south to Kaset Wisai, Surin, and Prasat. Route 2044 leads east to Phon Thong. Route 23 leads west to Maha Sarakham and Ban Phai, and east to Yasothon and Ubon Ratchathani. Route 215 leads south to Suwannaphum and the border with Surin Province. Route 232 is a 4-lane ring road that enables through-traffic to avoid the city centre.Roi Et is served by Roi Et Airport to the north of the town.