Almost all of the country's agricultural produce was hit during the economic recession that gripped Thailand in 1997; sweet potatoes were no exception. This traditional, economic plant in Baan Bu Klang, Tambon Bu Puay in the district of Nam Yun of Ubon Ratchathani province, once brought the villagers enough income to sustain their families. The economic crisis saw the price of a bag of sweet potatoes plummet to a mere five Baht from 20 to 30 Baht (US$ 1 = +/- 34 Baht). In essence, the market was almost wiped out. As a result, post-sale stocks of sweet potatoes accumulated by the day.

Under the circumstances, Khun Vilaiwan Thani, the village head of Moo 10, organized a village forum to identify the causes and devise solutions to the problem facing them. The meeting served to inspire the wives of the village to found their own processed produce business with funding from the Community Development Department and Tambon Bu Puay Administration Organization.

Prasat Peuai Noi in Peuai Noi district of Khon Kaen is located some 79 kilometers from downtown Khon Kaen. The charm of traditional rural Thailand still prevails in the area where the prevailing simplicity is so obvious that it is almost hard to believe that more than 1000 years ago, it was under the influence of Khmer civilization which can still be seen today in the architecture that has survived the ages.

To the local people, Prasat Peuai Noi is Phra Thart Kuthong, which stands majestically over an expansive area after an ambitious restoration plan by the Thai Department of Fine Arts from 1988 to 1994.

Prasat Peuai Noi is a temple, which greatly was influenced by Hindu influences built during B.E. 1600 - 1700 in the combined architectural styles of Papuan and the most famous Angkor Wat based on the scheme of the universe in Hindu tradition where Phra Sumeru, the center of the universe, is represented by three principle literate buildings.

Part of a major merit making ceremony, Phee Ta Khon is a play held annually in the district of Daan Sai, Loei province, in conjunction with Ngarn Boon Phra Ves, the fourth lunar months - merit making event.

On this occasion, the faithful gather at the temple to hear the 13 sermons based on the last life of Bodhisattva, which they believe will earn them the merit to meet the Buddha in the next life. This particular event takes place in tandem with the fire-rocket launch organized as part of the merit-making ceremony of the sixth lunar month as a plea for seasonal rain.

The three-day ceremony is traditionally held after the 15th day of waning moon of the sixth month and usually falls on Saturday and Sunday.