Phra Ya Phakdee Chumphon, originally named "Lae," was a native of Vientiane. He served as a royal caretaker for Prince Anuwong of the Lan Chang Kingdom (which was then a vassal state of Thailand) during the reign of King Rama II. In 1820 (B.E. 2360), Mr. Lae led his followers across the Mekong River and settled in Ban Nam Khun in Nong I Jan (located in the area of Si Khun District in Nakhon Ratchasima province). He later moved to Ban Non Nam Om in Ban Chilon (within the municipal area of Chaiyaphum). There, he continued to collect tribute for Prince Anuwong, who subsequently appointed Mr. Lae the title of Khun Phakdee Chumphon, the leader of external commands, in 1822 (B.E. 2365). In 1824 (B.E. 2367), due to the growing population, Khun Phakdee Chumphon relocated the community to a new site in Ban Luang, situated between Ban Nong Hlat and Ban Nong Pla Thao, now part of Chaiyaphum's city limits. In 1824, gold was discovered in the area surrounding the Huai Chad creek, outside Ban Luang. Khun Phakdee Chumphon presented this gold as tribute to Prince Anuwong and requested to elevate Ban Luang to a city. In recognition, Prince Anuwong bestowed upon him the name of Chaiyaphum and promoted him to Phra Phakdee Chumphon. Later on, Phra Phakdee Chumphon demanded that Chaiyaphum be directly under the administration of Nakhon Ratchasima and pay tribute directly to Bangkok, rather than to Prince Anuwong of Vientiane. His request was granted by King Rama II, who officially established Ban Luang (Chaiyaphum) as the city of Chaiyaphum and appointed Phra Phakdee Chumphon (Lae) as the first governor. This decision greatly displeased Vientiane's faction. In 1826 (B.E. 2369), amid the third reign of King Rama III, Prince Anuwong revolted against Bangkok in an attempt to gain independence, marching his army toward Nakhon Ratchasima. Sensing the futility of the attack, he ultimately set fire to the city and retreated. While camped in Thung Samrit, Phra Phakdee Chumphon joined forces with Khun Ying Mo and residents of Nakhon Ratchasima to launch a counterattack against the Lao troops, resulting in their defeat. Prince Anuwong, angered by Phra Phakdee Chumphon's refusal to support the Lao cause and instead aiding the Thai side, returned to Chaiyaphum, capturing Phra Phakdee Chumphon and executing him beneath a tamarind tree by Nong Pla Thao. His death remains a significant event remembered by the people of Chaiyaphum, who honor him as a heroic figure. Consequently, he is respectfully referred to as "Chao Por Phaya Lae." A shrine was later established at the site of his execution in Nong Pla Thao, along Highway 225 (Chaiyaphum-Ban Khwa). In 1968 (B.E. 2511), the government built a new shrine and named it "Sarn Phra Ya Phakdee Chumphon (Lae)," organizing an annual ceremony to honor Chao Por Phaya Lae starting from the first Wednesday of the sixth month for seven days, known as the "Festival of Merit Month Six in Remembrance of Chao Por Phaya Lae." This annual festival is a major event for the people of Chaiyaphum. In 1975 (B.E. 2518), the government, together with local merchants and the residents of Chaiyaphum, constructed a monument honoring Phra Phakdee Chumphon (Lae), which now stands at the roundabout near the government center at the entrance to Chaiyaphum town. Successive generations descended from Phra Phakdee Chumphon (Lae) who served as governors of Chaiyaphum received titles and ranks under the name of Phra Phakdee Chumphon, totaling five individuals. Chao Por Phaya Lae held the title of Phra Phakdee Chumphon for four years and served as the governor of Chaiyaphum for ten years. This rich history resides in the heart of Chaiyaphum, a place full of legacy and significance.