Buriran Province

Buriram is one of the northeastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise) Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and Surin. To the southeast it borders Oddar Meancheay of Cambodia. The name "Buriram" means 'city of happiness'. Buriram is one of the northeastern provinces with a sizable northern Khmer population. Isaan language is spoken by most, but according to the most recent census 27.6 percent of the population also speak northern Khmer in everyday life.
Geography: Buriram is at the south end of the Khorat Plateau, with several extinct volcanoes around the province. The southern limit of the province is a mountainous area at the limit between the Sankamphaeng Range and the Dângrêk Mountains.
History: About a thousand years ago, the area that makes up today's Buriram Province was under the Khmer Empire and many ruins remain from that time. The largest, standing on an extinct volcano, is in the Phanom Rung Historical Park. According to an inscription found there, its local ruler recognised the authority of the Khmer king. However, the area was remote and sparsely populated, and little is recorded about it until the Rattanakosin Kingdom. In the early-19th century, Muang Pae, the largest town, acknowledged Thai sovereignty and was renamed Buriram. Following administrative reforms in the late-19th century, Buriram was formally incorporated into Thailand as a province with its own governor.
Tourism: By far the most important historical sites in Buriram province are the ancient Khmer sanctuaries of Prasat Phanom Rung and Prasat Muang Tham while the city supports a modern football stadium home of the Thai Premier League champions. Nearby is the Chang International racing circuit. Lakes, parks, other historical and religious sites are in abundance. The province recognises important religious days, Songkran Day and New Year's Day and also has other local festivals such as the festival of the 5th lunar month when the locals make merit, bathe Buddha images and the aged, play traditional sports such as Saba and tug of war. In some areas like Amphoe Phutthaisong, there is the Bang Fai traditional rocket dance, Khao Phansa, at the beginning of Buddhist Lent and Loi Krathong.
Buriram boasts excellent transport links by road, rail and air.