Roi Et, originally known as Saket Nakhon, has a rich history as an influential city-state dating back to the ancient Kuluntha Kingdom. Saket Nakhon once prospered as a fortified city with 11 gates, symbolizing its connections with 11 satellite towns. Under the rule of King Kuluntha, the kingdom employed strategic defenses, including fortifications and an alert system for potential threats. However, during the 18th century, the city faced decline due to conflict with the Khmer and local unrest, leading its people to migrate to new territories.
In 1777, after the migration of its citizens and a period of abandonment, the area saw a resurgence when Thao Muad and his family returned to establish a new settlement at Saket's historical site, now modern-day Roi Et. Seeking formal recognition, they appealed to the Thonburi Kingdom, which granted them the status of "Roi Et," honoring the legacy of the original city. The province became a central administrative center in the late 19th century under King Chulalongkorn, marking its role as a crucial center in the Northeast until Roi Et became a province in 1932, following Thailand's administrative restructuring.
Today, Roi Et is a key province in northeastern Thailand, known for its unique historical identity, including cultural landmarks like the "Sao Wa Pi," a symbolic reed pipe once used to announce important events. The province features a mix of elevated plains and river lowlands and is home to the expansive Thung Kula Rong Hai, a flat, basin-like grassland, fostering a thriving agricultural community.