Happy TravellerWelcome to Nakhon Ratchasima, one of the big four cities of Isan, Thailand. Commonly known as Korat, this city is situated at the western edge of the Korat Plateau, marking the boundary between Lao and Siam territory. It is the gateway to the Lao-speaking northeast (Isan). Its location is 14°58.5′N 102°6′E. After Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Korat is the third largest city in Thailand.
History
Prior to the 14th century, the area of Nakhon Ratchasima was under Khmer empire suzerainty and known in Khmer as Angkor raj, Nokor Reach Seyma, or Nokor Reach Borei, and Koreach. Phimai, to the north, was probably more important. King Narai of Ayutthaya in the 17th century, ordered a new city built on the site to serve as a stronghold on Ayutthayas northeastern frontier. Nakhon Ratchasima was thereafter mentioned in Siamese chronicles and legal documents as a second-class city of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Toponymy
Archaeological evidence suggests that in Sung Noen District 32 km west of present-day Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) there were two ancient towns called Sema (Bai sema (ใบเสมา) are notable artifacts of the Korat plateau) and Khorakapura. (Pali púra becomes Sanskrit puri, hence Thai (buri), all connoting the same as Thai mueang: city with defensive wall.) N The latter name was shortened to Nakhon Raj. (Nakhon (นคร) derives from Sanskrit nagara (नगर), city; Raj (ราช), from Sanskrit Raj, sovereign.) The present city name is a portmanteau of Nakhon Raj and Sema. The city is commonly known as Korat (Thai: โคราช), which is a short version of the ancient Khmer name ankor raj.
Administration
Nakhon Ratchasima is a city municipality (thesaban nakhon) with a population of 126,391 registered residents in 71,022 households.
Climate
Nakhon Ratchasima has a tropical savanna climate (Aw in the Köppen climate classification), with the large majority of its rain falling between May and October.
Economy
Korat has traditionally been heavily dependent on agriculture. It is known as a processing centre for Isans production of rice, tapioca, and sugar. The Isan region accounts for half of Thailands exports of those commodities. Together, these three agricultural commodities employ 700,000 Isan families. Korat is also one of two sites in Thailand manufacturing disk drives by Seagate Technology, employing 12,100 workers in Korat.
Transport
Nakhon Ratchasima is on the northeastern railway line, connecting Bangkok with Ubon Ratchathani and Nong Khai. There are two main railway stations in the city: Nakhon Ratchasima Railway Station on Mukkhamontri Road and Thanon Chira Junction Railway Station on Watcharasarit Road. A high-speed rail line to Bangkok is due to open in 2027. Mittraphap Road (Thailand Route 2), the main arterial road that joins Bangkok with the province capitals of Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima. Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai (the major gateway to Laos). A new motorway connecting Korat to Bangkok is under construction in 2016 and will reduce travel time on the 250 km (160 mi) journey to just over two hours.
Education
There are four universities in the area. Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, and Vongchavalitkul University.
Sports
The 80th Birthday Stadium is the main stadium in His Majesty the Kings 80th Birthday Anniversary, 5th December 2007 Sports Complex. It is home to Nakhon Ratchasima FC that competes in the national first tier football level, Thailand Premier League and it was used for the 2007 Southeast Asian Games. The stadium is in the former SEA Games sports complex on Highway 304 (Pak Thong Chai Road) to the southwest of the city. Nakhon Ratchasima is the home of the four-times Mens Volleyball Thailand League winner, Nakhon Ratchasima the Mall and the three-times Womens Volleyball Thailand League winner, Nakhon Ratchasima the Mall.
With its rich history, stunning landscape, and welcoming locals, Nakhon Ratchasima is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Thailand. Whether you are a fan of sport, culture, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a bustling city, Korat has something for everyone. Come and discover this hidden gem for yourself and experience the true heart of Thailand.
