[html]<span class="style1">The History of Nong Khai</span><br />
</div>
<p align="justify">This history of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nong_Khai">Nong Khai</a> can be traced back to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haw_wars">Haw Wars</a> between 1865 and 1890. During that time, Chinese warriors known as Flag Gangs plundered large areas of Laos and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonkin">Tonkin</a> (now northern Vietnam).The Chinese Black Flags and their rival Yellow Flags set up bases in these areas.</p>
<p align="justify">To aid its neighbors, Thailand (then known as Siam), sent military forces to Nong Khai. </p>
<p align="justify">In 1875, the first of these forces crossed the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mekong">Mekong river</a> to engage the Flag Gangs, succeeding in capturing the base at Chiang Kham. Before they could be defeated, the remaining Flag Gangs retreated to the mountains. </p>
<p align="justify">To maintain security in the area, the Siamese force remained in Nong Khai.

From there, a series of small towns emerged to form the boundaries of modern-day Nong Khai. These towns included Pakho, Phai, Wiang Khuk, and Phran Phrao. </p>
<p align="justify">Many temples from these ancient towns still survive to this day, particularly on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe_Tha_Bo">Tha Bo</a> to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe_Si_Chiang_Mai">Si Chiang Mai</a> route along the Mekong river. </p>
<p align="justify">Up until that time, the area was not yet known as Nong Khai. That name was given to the area during the time of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessadabodindra">King Rama III</a>. </p>
<p align="justify">When King Rama III ruled <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vientiane">Vientiane</a> during the Rattanakosin era, a rebellion was staged against the King by Chao Anuwong. Thao Suwothanma, the ruler of Yasothon, helped King Rama’s army crush this rebellion. </p>
<p align="justify">In gratitude, King Rama made Thao Suwothanma the ruler of a new town that would rise at the right bank of the Mekong River were the town known as Phai was located.</p>
<p align="justify"> The new town became known as Nong Khai, which got its name from a huge pond located west of the town. </p>
<p align="justify">Today, Nong Khai is basically a border town that revolves around the traffic of such locations. The city has emerged as a popular tourist destination in recent years and, today, has the full backing of the <a href="http://www.tourismthailand.org/">Tourism Authority of Thailand.</a></p></div>[/html]