Surin (Thai: สุรินทร์) is one of the north-eastern provinces in Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from west clockwise) Buriram, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et and Sisaket. To the south it borders Oddar Meancheay of Cambodia.
Surin was originally an important part of the ancient Khmer empire. Temple ruins and a substantial ethnic Khmer minority remain part of Surin. In 1763 a village was moved to the location of the modern city of Surin, and was upgraded to a city with the name Muang Prathai Saman. About that time, a local resident named Chiangpum presented a rare white elephant to the Chao Phaya Chakri, future King Rama I. In gratitude, Chiangpum was awarded the royal title Luang Surin Phakdi and appointed the village headman. When Rama I became the Thai monarch, he appointed Luang Surin Phakdi as the province's governor. In 1786, the city's name was changed to Surin in honor of its governor.
