Spanning over 800,000 acres and five provinces, this dry area (Thung in Thai) is mostly contained within Roi Et province. According to legend, the ethnic minority Kula people were nomadic traders known for their strength and determination. However, they experienced such hardship in attempts to traverse this area due to the arid conditions, that even they cried (Ronghai in Thai). During the dry season, the land is parched and cracked. There is now a governmental Office of Land Development in the area, an attempt to revitalize the area.