Roi Et is a town (thesaban mueang) 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 ([ร้อยเอ็ด](https://bliptext.com/articles/), literally "one hundred and one") is derived from ร้อย (rɔ́ɔi, "hundred") + เอ็ด (èt, "one"), 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 150 m above sea level.

History

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 (Köppen climate classification Aw). Winters are dry and very warm. Temperatures rise until April, which is hot with the average daily maximum at 35.7 °C. 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.