Buriram (Thai: บุรีรัมย์ - "City of Happiness") is a town (thesaban mueang) in Thailand, capital of Buriram Province, about 410 km northeast of Bangkok. The town covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Buriram district.

History

Almost a thousand years ago, the present-day Buriram area was part of the Khmer Empire. Many ruins from that time attest to the destruction. The most significant of them is on an extinct volcano and is protected in the Phanom Rung historical park. According to inscriptions found, Buriram's ruler recognized the hegemony of the Khmer Empire's emperor. Before the ascent of Bangkok, little was known about Buriram. In the early Bangkok Period, in the early 19th century, the town originally called Muang Pae, was renamed Buriram. Then it came under Thai rule. After administrative reforms in the late 19th century, Buriram was incorporated into Siam as a province.

Geography

Buriram is in the centre of Buriram Province. Buriram doesn't have any important rivers, but it has a creek, Huai Jorakhamak. Important waters in the town such as Buriram Moat (or Klong La Lom), Nong Prue, Huai Jorakheaak Reservoir and Huai Talat Reservoir.

Economy

The town is on the northeastern railway line, and also has a regional airport, Buriram Airport. Much of the local economy is still agricultural and the tourist industry that is a prominent feature in much of the rest of the country has yet to make a significant impact. Key agricultural crops include rice and cassava. The main languages spoken in Buriram are Central Thai, Lao, and Khmer.

Attractions

• Lower Northeastern Cultural Centre (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมอีสานใต้): The centre collects and exhibits artefacts and precious historical objects, folk art and archaeological evidence. It is also the resource centre for conducting research.
• The Monument of King Rama I (พระบรมราชานุสาวรีย์พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลก): The monument was built in 1996 to honour King Rama I who founded Buriram while he was serving as Somdet Phraya Maha Kasatsuek.
• Khao Kradong Forest Park (วนอุทยานเขากระโดง): This extinct volcano is now a recreational spot. The top is 265 metres above sea level and it houses "Phra Suphattharabophit", a large Buddha image that is the symbol of Buriram.
• Kradong Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำกระโดง): From the entrance to Khao Kradong, there is a junction on the left side to "Bunyanusat" boy scout camp and a zoo.
• Huai Talat Reservoir and Buriram Bird Park (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยตลาดและสวนนกบุรีรัมย์): A survey found more than 100 species of birds living in this area during the dry season which lasts from November-April.

Sro Ground Walking Street

Sro Ground (Walking Street) is part of the town of Buriram. It is a tourist attraction that draws foreigners and Thais, primarily for the night life. The street runs from the south end of Romburi Street to the Romburi-Sukhonthamat intersection. Walking Street is closed to vehicles from 17:00–24:00. Parking is provided at the Municipality 

Shopping Malls

There are many shopping malls in Buriram, such as Big C, Makro, Home Pro, Tesco Lotus Express and Taweekit, the local shopping mall ofBuriram Province.

Sport

• Buriram has a football club, Buriram United F.C., which plays at New I-Mobile Stadium.
• Buriram United International Circuit (BRIC) Speedway
• Other racetracks are being planned, such as a motocross circuit

Culture

Festivals: Buddha's Footprint Homage–paying Fair (งานนมัสการรอยพระพุทธบาทจำลอง): The event takes place at Khao Kradong, Amphoe Mueang, on the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month. A large number of local people visit Khao Kradong to pay homage to a replica of the Buddha’s footprint and the Phra Suphattharabophit image whilst enjoying the big celebration.