CHACHOENGSAO

'Chachoengsao' is a town (''thesaban mueang'') in central Thailand, capital of the Chachoengsao Province. It is located on the bank of the Bang Pakong River. It occupies the ''tambon'' Na Mueang and parts of Ban Mai, Bang Tin Pet, Wang Takhian and Sothon of Mueang Chachoengsao district. As of 2006 it has a population of 60,893.
The town was established in the year 1549 during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya and originally used as a centre for armed force recruitment. During the reign of King Maha Thammaracha, the kingdom was in a weak condition due to being defeated by the Burmese. Phraya Lawaek, the Khmer king located Thai people from several towns including Chachoengsao to be his work force.
Chachoengsao is commonly called "Paet Riu", such a name is derived from large sized fish locally caught in the past.
The town is about 100 km east of Bangkok.