Phaya Thaen Public Park

Phaya Thaen Public Park is a large municipal park in Nai Mueang, Mueang Yasothon District, Yasothon town, Yasothon Province, northeastern Thailand. Centered around a lake and dedicated to the Phaya Thaen (Toad King) legend, it is notable for its giant toad statues, Naga sculptures, rocket monuments and the Phaya Thaen Museum. The park serves as the main venue for the annual Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival and as a daily recreation area for residents and visitors.

Visitors can expect a spacious landscaped park built around a central lake with paved walking and jogging paths, bridges, and open lawns. Key features include large Phaya Thaen toad statues, Naga serpent sculptures, decorative Bun Bang Fai rockets, and the Phaya Thaen Museum displaying local history and rocket festival exhibits. The environment is open and family-friendly with shaded seating, playgrounds, fitness areas, and food vendors, suitable for leisurely walks, photography and picnics.

The park is dedicated to the Phaya Thaen legend, the Toad King folklore central to Isan culture that explains the origin of the Bun Bang Fai tradition of firing rockets to request rain from Phaya Thaen. Developed as a municipal public park and cultural landmark, it preserves and presents this legend through sculptures and the Phaya Thaen Museum.

The park is the cultural center of Yasothon and the principal venue for the annual Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival held in May, one of Isan's most important traditional festivals. It showcases Isan folklore, rocket craftsmanship, and community celebrations that attract visitors from across Thailand.