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Tung Kula Rong Hai (Thai: ทุ่งกุลาร้องไห้, rtgs: Thung Kula Rong Hai, [tʰûŋ kulaː rɔ́ːŋ hâːj]) is a natural region in northeastern Thailand. Its area is around two million rai (or 3,200 km2.). It is in the provinces of Surin, Maha Sarakham, Buriram, Sisaket, and Roi Et.
History and legend
Its name is literally translates as "fields of the crying Kula". Legend has it that Kulas, from Mottama, Myanmar, traveled through this plateau. The Kula were known for their endurance and toughness. They spent several days traveling through the region without passing any villages or finding water. The surroundings had no trees to provide shade. It was only arid land. Trekking through this area was very difficult. The dry land and scarceness of water supply exhausted the tough Kulas and made them cry. The land takes its name from this story.
Historically, Tung Kula Rong Hai had suffered desert-like conditions during dry season and flooding during rainy season. Soils were plagued by salinity. The area has since been reclaimed and today the region has become a well-known rice producing area of Thailand.