Kut Chum

Kut Chum (กุดชุม) is a district in north-central Yasothon Province, approximately 40 km north of Mueang Yasothon. The district covers 544 km² with a population of around 66,000 across nine sub-districts and 125 villages. The village of Kut Chum was established in 1912, became a minor district in 1961, and was elevated to full district status in 1963. When Yasothon Province was created in 1972, Kut Chum was one of its original districts.

Kut Chum is notable for its strong organic farming movement, particularly organic rice cultivation. The district gained attention for issuing its own local barter coupons called Boon Kut Chum — merit-based exchange coupons with a fixed baht value used for trading goods and services within the community, supporting the local economy and reducing dependency on external markets. The initiative grew out of the community's commitment to sustainable agriculture and self-reliance.

The climate follows the Isaan pattern: hot March–May, rainy June–October, and a cool dry season November–February. The best time to visit is in the cooler months.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP), approximately 110 km southeast.

By Train

By Car / Road

Kut Chum is on Route 202, about 40 km north of Yasothon town. Buses and songthaews run frequently from Yasothon's bus terminal. From Bangkok, take Highway 1, then Highway 2 to Khon Kaen, then Highway 23 and 202 — approximately 550 km, about 7–8 hours.

The district centre is small and walkable. Songthaews and motorcycle taxis connect Kut Chum town with the surrounding villages.

• Kut Chum Organic Farming Villages — Several villages in the district are known for their organic rice paddies and sustainable agriculture projects. Visitors can tour the farms and learn about traditional and organic rice cultivation.

• Wat Kut Chum — The main temple in the district centre, a local spiritual and community gathering point.

• Participate in the local organic agriculture tours — learn about chemical-free rice farming, traditional Isaan farming methods, and the community barter system.

• Visit during Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) in May, when local villages hold their own celebrations with rocket launches, music, and dancing.

• Morning market (Talat Chao) — Freshly cooked Isaan dishes, grilled meats, som tam, and sticky rice. Meals from 25–50 baht.
• Local restaurants near the district office — Simple eateries serving laab, gai yang, and noodle soups.

Bottled water is recommended. Thai iced tea and coffee are available at local shops and market stalls.

Accommodation in Kut Chum is very limited — the district has no named hotels. Most visitors stay in Yasothon town (40 km south), where the B M Grand Hotel (450 baht) and Yot Nakhon Hotel (250+ baht) offer budget and mid-range rooms.

Kut Chum is known for organic jasmine rice — look for locally grown chemical-free rice sold directly by farming cooperatives. Traditional Isaan handicrafts and woven textiles may be available at local markets.

• Yasothon — 40 km south. Provincial capital with the Rocket Festival, Wat Maha That, and Chedi Sai.
• Loeng Nok Tha — 45 km northeast. Gateway to Phu Sung Buddhist Park.
• Pa Tio — 30 km east. Known for its Lao heritage and the Khit pillow weaving village of Ban Si Than.
• Roi Et — 60 km west. Large provincial centre with the towering Phra Phuttha Rattana Mongkhon Mahamuni statue and Bueng Phlan Chai lake.